Ramnath Adhikari Resigns: "I Refuse to Serve in a Blood-Stained Government"

Kathmandu – Minister for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Ramnath Adhikari, has resigned from his post.

Citing deep objection to the violence, killings, and excessive force used during the ongoing Gen-Z protests across Kathmandu and other parts of the country, Minister Adhikari stated that he could no longer morally justify remaining in government.

Elected from Dhading Constituency No. 2 under the Nepali Congress banner, Adhikari announced his resignation through a public statement. In his words, “A government that opens fire on young children and plunges the nation into mourning is sending a message not of democracy, but tyranny. I feel guilty being part of such a government.”

He had assumed office on Asar 31, 2081 (July 15, 2024). Emphasizing his lifelong commitment to the democratic values of the Nepali Congress, Adhikari made it clear that the government's recent actions contradict those very principles.

“Peaceful protest and the right to question are the soul of democracy,” he said, adding that his resignation is a stand against violent suppression.

Adhikari posed a serious question to the government: “How can we treat the very generation that should be our partners in nation-building as enemies?” Reaffirming that nothing is more important than the lives and freedom of the people in a democracy, he called on all political parties and leaders to develop the awareness that “our sovereign people are more honorable and respected than we, the so-called leaders.”

His resignation is being interpreted as a sign of growing internal pressure and division within the ruling coalition.