Sudan Gurung, the 36-year-old face of Nepal’s youth-led protests that toppled the government earlier this year, has declared his intention to contest in the country’s upcoming March general elections.
In an exclusive interview, Gurung said his movement aims to create a “people’s government,” positioning itself as a nationwide force for change rather than a conventional political party. “They have dragged us into politics,” he said of the ousted government, accusing former leaders of corruption and selfishness. “If it’s politics they want, that’s what they’ll get.”
From Protests to Politics
The protests, largely driven by Nepal’s Gen Z, erupted after the government blocked social media platforms such as Facebook, X, and YouTube. What began as resistance to online censorship quickly escalated into a broader movement against corruption, state violence, and impunity. Dozens of young demonstrators lost their lives, while thousands were injured.
Gurung’s group has since organized into legal and communications committees, using platforms like Discord and Instagram to mobilize supporters and crowdsource policy ideas. The movement pledges to amplify the voices of ordinary Nepalese, channeling grassroots momentum into governance.
A Collective Approach
Gurung signaled he would not run as an independent, instead choosing to contest “as a group” to harness the power of Nepal’s youth. Beyond anti-corruption, his agenda includes revitalizing tourism and strengthening ties with India and China on terms of mutual respect, free from external interference.
He also called on interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki to expedite investigations into corruption and the killings of protesters, insisting that members of the old political guard should not be allowed to stand in the March vote.
A Defiant Stand
Though he stopped short of declaring himself a candidate for prime minister, Gurung left the door open: “If the people choose me, I am definitely going to run.” Despite intimidation and threats, he said he remains undeterred: “I’m not scared … just killing me won’t do anything. I need to save my nation because it’s now or never.”
With the elections approaching, Gurung’s transition from protest leader to political contender could mark a defining moment for Nepal’s new generation.
