Piyush Goyal Assures Safety of Indians Amid Nepal Gen Z Protests; Announces Major Projects for Bihar
Government Monitoring Nepal Crisis, Indians Advised Not to Panic
Patna, September 11 — As Nepal continues to witness widespread turmoil triggered by the Gen Z movement, Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Thursday reassured Indian citizens stranded in the Himalayan nation that the Government of India is fully prepared to support and protect them.
Speaking to reporters in Bihar’s capital Patna during his official visit, Goyal confirmed that the Centre has issued a dedicated helpline number and remains in constant touch with the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu to assist nationals caught up in the crisis.
“Yesterday, I spoke to our ambassador in Nepal. Our government has an excellent track record in evacuating Indians, even from the middle of wars. If any Indian faces a problem, the embassy is ready to help,” the minister said, urging people not to panic.
The assurance comes as Nepal reels under violent demonstrations, arson, and attacks on government institutions over the past week. Protesters, mostly from the country’s younger population, have mobilized under the so-called Gen Z movement, demanding sweeping political and economic reforms.
According to local media reports, many Indian nationals living in Nepal or visiting for work and tourism have begun returning home amid fears of escalating violence.
Nepal’s Gen Z Movement: Background of the Unrest
The ongoing crisis in Nepal is part of a broader generational protest that has shaken the country’s political landscape. Young demonstrators accuse the political elite of corruption, unemployment, and lack of opportunities.
The movement gained momentum over the last two months, with university students, social media influencers, and grassroots organizations mobilizing in major cities, including Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Biratnagar.
In recent days, protests turned violent, with government buildings attacked and security forces responding with tear gas and baton charges. Several districts have reported clashes between police and demonstrators, raising concerns of a deeper political crisis.
The Government of India has been closely monitoring the developments, given the cultural, economic, and geographical proximity between the two countries. India and Nepal share an open border, and instability in Kathmandu often has direct consequences for border states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
Goyal’s Political Attack on Opposition Leaders
While addressing the media at the BJP state headquarters in Patna, Piyush Goyal also shifted focus to domestic politics. He launched a strong attack on RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, accusing them of silence after controversial remarks made against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s mother during an opposition rally.
“These leaders have not apologised. The truth is, they do not respect women,” Goyal said, criticizing the opposition’s moral stance.
Taking a jibe at the Congress party’s hesitation to declare Tejashwi Yadav as the opposition’s chief ministerial candidate for Bihar, the minister remarked:
“Even if his name is announced, nothing will change. Nobody can stand against Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. The NDA will once again form the government in Bihar.”
His comments highlight the heated political climate in Bihar, where Assembly elections are drawing closer and rival parties are already engaged in aggressive campaigns.
Centre Clears ₹4,447 Crore for Bihar Infrastructure
In addition to addressing the Nepal crisis and political issues, Goyal used the opportunity to highlight the Centre’s development initiatives for Bihar.
He announced approval for two major projects aimed at boosting the state’s road and rail connectivity:
- Mokama–Munger Four-Lane Road Project
- Doubling of the Bhagalpur–Dumka Rail Line
Together, these projects will involve an investment of ₹4,447 crore, according to the minister.
“Bihar is developing rapidly under the double-engine government, and people will once again elect the NDA. Now there will never be a return of Jungle Raj,” Goyal asserted, using the BJP’s phrase to contrast the current administration with previous opposition-led governments.
Infrastructure experts believe the projects could play a crucial role in enhancing trade, reducing travel time, and creating new employment opportunities in Bihar’s eastern and southern districts.
India’s Track Record in Evacuations
Minister Goyal’s remarks on Nepal also underline India’s recent history of conducting large-scale evacuation missions in times of crisis.
- In 2022, the government carried out Operation Ganga to evacuate more than 20,000 Indian students from war-torn Ukraine.
- During the COVID-19 pandemic, Vande Bharat Mission brought back over 60 lakh Indians stranded abroad.
- In 2015, following a devastating earthquake in Nepal, India launched Operation Maitri, which became one of the largest relief and rescue efforts in the region.
The minister highlighted these examples to assure families back home that the government has both the experience and capacity to bring citizens to safety if needed.
Looking Ahead
While the situation in Nepal remains uncertain, India’s proactive approach reflects the government’s dual strategy: ensuring the safety of its citizens abroad while focusing on domestic political and developmental priorities.
The Centre’s quick response, coupled with infrastructure announcements in Bihar, positions the government as both vigilant on foreign concerns and committed to internal growth.
For Bihar, the approval of new road and rail projects signals fresh momentum ahead of elections, while for families with loved ones in Nepal, the government’s assurances may bring some relief during anxious times.
Final Thoughts from TheTrendingPeople.com
The unfolding crisis in Nepal and India’s response highlight the delicate balance between foreign policy challenges and domestic politics. As Piyush Goyal’s remarks show, the government is keen to demonstrate competence in handling both spheres—protecting Indians abroad while accelerating infrastructure-led development at home.
With Nepal’s Gen Z movement showing no signs of fading, and Bihar’s political landscape heating up, both issues are likely to remain central in the coming weeks.