Kathmandu: In a dramatic turn of events, Nepal’s Gen Z protest movement has proposed former chief justice Sushila Karki as the head of an interim government. The development comes amid widespread unrest that forced Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to resign earlier this week.
Karki chosen amid political crisis
According to Nepalese media, Karki’s name was finalised during a virtual meeting of the Gen Z movement on Wednesday. Other names considered included Kathmandu mayor Balendra Shah and former electricity board chief Kulman Ghising.
The decision followed two days of intense protests across Nepal, which saw students and youth demanding systemic reforms. On Tuesday, Oli stepped down under mounting pressure, prompting the Nepal Army to impose curfews and nationwide restrictive orders.
A representative from the Supreme Court Bar Association, consulted by protesters, confirmed to Reuters that Gen Z activists want Karki as the interim prime minister.
Who is Sushila Karki?
Sushila Karki, 73, made history as Nepal’s first female chief justice, serving from July 2016 to June 2017. Known for her zero-tolerance stance on corruption, she handled several high-profile cases during her judicial career.
Born on 7 June 1952 in Biratnagar, Karki is the eldest of seven children. She completed her BA at Mahendra Morang Campus in 1972, an MA in political science from Banaras Hindu University in 1975, and a bachelor of laws from Tribhuvan University in 1978.
Karki began her legal practice in 1979 and became a senior advocate in 2007. She was appointed as an ad-hoc judge of the Supreme Court in 2009 and made permanent in 2010.
Her tenure as chief justice was marred by controversy when she was temporarily suspended in April 2017 after lawmakers accused her of delivering a biased verdict. The impeachment motion, however, was later withdrawn.
What she said about India and PM Modi
In a recent interview, Karki expressed goodwill towards India and its leaders, especially Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“I greet Modi ji. I have a good impression about Modi ji,” she said, recalling her student days at Banaras Hindu University and her fond memories of the river Ganga.
Speaking on bilateral ties, she emphasised the strong people-to-people relationship between India and Nepal, describing it as one built on “goodwill and love.”
“India has helped Nepal at all times. We are very close,” Karki noted, while adding that differences between neighbours are natural.
She also assured that the safety of Indians in Nepal would be ensured, highlighting that the army had worked to restore order.
The road ahead for Nepal
Nepal remains in political limbo as protesters push for reforms and an interim administration. Karki’s selection by the Gen Z movement signals a demand for clean leadership, given her reputation for integrity.
However, whether she will be formally appointed remains uncertain, with political negotiations expected in the coming days. For now, the focus remains on restoring calm in the Himalayan nation, where curfews continue and tensions remain high.