Kathmandu still bears the scars of last September’s unrest. On September 8, Rashik Khatiwada, 23, stood near parliament with hundreds of protesters. He held a sign reading “FUCK THE SYSTEM!” Within two hours, gunfire cut him down. Over two days, 77 people died in clashes that forced Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to resign and jolted Nepal’s political order.
The youth-led protests reflected anger over corruption and joblessness. Rashik’s mother, Rachana Khatiwada, now backs change through the Rastriya Swatantra Party. She supports Balendra Shah, the rapper-turned-mayor who has emerged as a leading candidate. She says past leaders enriched themselves and ignored ordinary citizens.
Other families share her grief. Artist Binod Maharjan left home that morning and never returned. A bullet struck his head during the protests. His murals still cover his family house, reminders of a life cut short.
Parbati Subedi also lost her husband, a security guard shot during the unrest. She works two jobs to support her daughter. Though the government offered compensation, families still seek jobs, pensions, and medical support. Many voters now hope this election will deliver the change the streets demanded\
