10th September 2025, Kathmandu
In a thought-provoking statement that has sent ripples through Nepal’s political and social spheres, former Prime Minister Dr. Baburam Bhattarai has issued a stark warning to the Gen-Z youth leading the ongoing protest movement.
Dr. Baburam Bhattarai Warning
Initially a vocal supporter, Bhattarai now questions whether the revolution is being deliberately steered toward a “counter-revolution,” infiltrated by “wolves in sheep’s clothing” with malicious intent.
The former premier’s remarks come in the wake of escalating violence, including the arson of key democratic institutions and the residences of political leaders. Bhattarai argues that such acts are not characteristic of the youth’s original peaceful and progressive goals.
He believes these destructive actions are the work of outsiders, not the genuine Gen-Z protesters, and are designed to derail the movement from within.
This sentiment echoes the classic revolutionary dilemma: how to maintain a movement’s integrity and purpose against forces seeking to exploit it for their own ends.
Infiltration and the Peril of Destruction
Dr. Bhattarai’s statement highlights a critical concern: the deliberate targeting of democratic pillars. He points to the burning of the Parliament, Singha Durbar, courts, the Home Ministry, political party offices, and even the homes of top leaders.
He rhetorically asks, “Who are the ones deliberately setting fire to these pillars of democracy? What is their motive?” His implication is clear: those who burn down the very institutions they seek to reform are likely not part of the reform movement itself.
This act, he suggests, is a form of sabotage. The former prime minister’s personal experience underscores his point. He recounts how he confidently stayed at home, trusting the youth and their movement.
However, he was forced to flee just minutes before his own residence was set ablaze, an act that narrowly prevented him from being buried in the same grave as his 96-year-old father.
He heard that some attackers even wore scarves of a particular color, suggesting they were not the Gen-Z youth he had come to support. This personal account serves as a powerful testament to the danger of external infiltration.
A Call for Reflection and Historical Context
Bhattarai urges the youth to reflect on their path and engage in “extinguishing that fire.” He implores them to actively identify the “wolves” within their ranks. To aid in this self-examination, he draws on historical parallels.
He recommends studying the French Revolution (1789-93), a pivotal moment in history that serves as a cautionary tale of how revolutionary fervor can be hijacked, leading to a period of terror and self-destruction.
He also suggests rereading his own historical writings, specifically “Do Not Recognize the New Kotparva,” which he wrote during Nepal’s own tumultuous revolutionary period, offering valuable insights into navigating political chaos.
The emphasis on historical study serves as a crucial piece of advice for the young generation. Understanding the patterns of past movements, their successes, and their failures, can help contemporary activists avoid repeating the same mistakes.
By learning from history, the Gen-Z protest can mature from a spontaneous outburst into a strategic and sustainable force for change.
Books, Wisdom, and Human Nature
Adding a poignant and personal touch, Dr. Bhattarai speaks of his love for books, many of which were gifts from young people working abroad.
He laments the loss of his library in the fire but reveals that he managed to save one classic: The Human Nature by Edward O. Wilson, the “Darwin of the 21st century.”
He is currently reading it to better understand the dualistic nature of humanity, which possesses both altruistic and selfish traits. This anecdote serves as an analogy for the protest itself.
The movement, like human nature, is a mix of noble intentions (altruism) and potential for destructive self-interest (selfishness).
Bhattarai suggests that this book may offer valuable insights for the Gen-Z youth, helping them understand the complex motivations at play—both within their own ranks and among those trying to subvert their cause.
His message is clear: true revolution requires not just action, but also introspection, wisdom, and an understanding of human behavior. The Gen-Z movement stands at a crossroads, and its future depends on its ability to heed this crucial warning.
For more: Dr. Baburam Bhattarai Warning