KATHMANDU: Agriculture Minister Ram Nath Adhikari, elected from Dhading-2 and aligned with the Shekhar Koirala faction of the Nepali Congress, resigned on Tuesday, condemning the government’s crackdown that led to the deaths of 19 youths during protests across Kathmandu and other parts of Nepal on Monday.

In a statement, Adhikari expressed shock and dismay over the killings, which occurred as young protesters rallied against corruption, entrenched privilege, generational wealth, and restrictions on social media.

He emphasized that peaceful dissent and questioning authority are fundamental democratic rights and said the violent response signaled a drift toward authoritarianism.

“Remaining in the government after such indiscriminate violence against our young citizens, who should be collaborators in nation-building, is morally unacceptable to me,” he said.

Adhikari added that the mass killings violated the principles of non-violence and democratic tradition upheld by his party.

Adhikari’s resignation is seen as a significant political signal, as other ministers from the Nepali Congress aligned with the Shekhar Koirala faction are reportedly preparing to step down in protest of the government’s actions.

Nepali Congress is a coalition partner with the CPN-UML, headed by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.

The minister also called for national introspection, stressing that the country must swiftly find a solution to the recurring cycle of public movements and government intolerance.

“In a democracy, nothing is above the life and freedom of expression of the people,” he said, urging fellow leaders to recognize the sovereignty of the citizens.

Adhikari’s resignation adds to growing political tension as the coalition faces criticism for its handling of the Gen-Z protests, which have sparked widespread condemnation both domestically and internationally.