KATHMANDU: Amid growing uncertainty about the future of their movement, leaders of Nepal’s Gen-Z youth campaign have intensified discussions on forming a new political party.
Fearing that their agenda might lose direction if they rally behind an already “popular” figure, most representatives now favor establishing an independent party led by Gen-Z members themselves, with a few experienced elders serving in advisory roles.
Earlier this week, three major Gen-Z groups held nearly 10 hours of deliberations, exploring the possibility of uniting dispersed activists from the protest movement into a single political front.
Around 30 leaders participated in the meeting, including The Council of Gen-Z coordinators Raksha Bam, Yujan Rajbhandari, Yatish Ojha, Manish Khanal, Aditya Karna, and Ritu Khadka, as well as provincial representatives from all seven provinces.
Members of the Gen-Z Movement Alliance led by Amit Khanal also attended, along with families of martyrs and those injured during recent demonstrations.
Participants discussed whether to register a new party or join existing ones. Many argued that aligning with established political figures such as Balen Shah or Sumana Shrestha could dilute the youth-led movement.
“If we follow a popular leader, the Gen-Z movement will lose its essence,” said one participant, emphasizing the need to build an independent force before cooperating with others in the future.
Koshi Province Coordinator Uparjung Rai voiced strong support for a separate youth-led party, saying, “If we don’t form our own organization, the movement cannot be institutionalized. Joining older parties with different generations and ideologies makes little sense.” Coordinator Raksha Bam echoed this sentiment, asserting that Gen-Z should lead their own initiative while seeking guidance—not domination—from senior figures.
Leaders from the Gen-Z Movement Alliance, including Amit Khanal, also backed the idea of registering a party and contesting elections, arguing that their widespread presence across 42 districts gives them a strong foundation for institutional growth. Khanal confirmed ongoing discussions, saying, “The dialogue is positive, and we’re exploring how like-minded forces can unite.”
However, some factions, such as the team led by Miraj Dhungana—who advocates for constitutional amendments and an executive prime minister—were absent from the talks. Other leaders accused Dhungana of being influenced by the Rastriya Prajatantra Party and controversial businessman Durga Prasai.
According to insiders, if no consensus is reached soon, Sudan Gurung—who is preparing to register a new party—may move forward independently while maintaining the possibility of future cooperation with Gen-Z forces. As one leader put it, “We are determined to move ahead on our own path, but collaboration during elections remains open.”
The ongoing discussions mark a decisive moment for Nepal’s Gen-Z movement, as its youthful leaders weigh the challenge of transforming street activism into a structured political force while striving to preserve their independence and ideals.
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