Kathmandu: Nepal’s former Chief Justice Sushila Karki has emerged as the frontrunner to head an interim government, following massive protests led by the country’s Gen Z movement. Karki’s name was reportedly finalised during a virtual meeting of the student-led group, according to Nepalese media on Wednesday night. Other names considered included former Nepal Electricity Authority chief Kulman Ghising and Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah.
Political crisis following PM Oli’s resignation
The development comes amid a deepening political crisis in Nepal. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned on Tuesday, following widespread student-led protests that continued for a second day. The unrest prompted the Nepal Army to take over law and order responsibilities, alongside nationwide curfews and restrictive orders imposed on Wednesday.
Gen Z movement selects leaders
The secretary of the Supreme Court Bar Association, who was consulted by the protesters, confirmed to Reuters that Karki had been chosen as the preferred candidate for the interim prime minister role. The Gen Z protesters have highlighted Karki’s integrity, experience, and strong anti-corruption stance as key reasons for their choice.
Who is Sushila Karki?
Sushila Karki made history as Nepal’s first female Chief Justice, serving from July 2016 to June 2017. Known for her zero-tolerance policy on corruption, she was temporarily suspended in April 2017 after facing an impeachment motion by lawmakers from the Nepali Congress and CPN (Maoist Centre), who accused her of delivering a biased verdict.
Born on June 7, 1952, in Biratnagar, Karki is the eldest of seven children. She completed her BA from Mahendra Morang Campus in 1972, an MA in Political Science from Banaras Hindu University in 1975, and a law degree from Tribhuvan University in 1978. She began her legal career in 1979 and became a senior advocate in 2007. She joined the Supreme Court as an ad-hoc judge in 2009 and was made a permanent judge in 2010.
Karki on India and PM Modi
Speaking to News18, Karki expressed a positive view of India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating: “I greet Modi ji. I have a good impression about Modi ji. We consider Indian leaders as our own brothers and sisters.” She also highlighted the close ties between the people of Nepal and India and recalled fond memories from her days at BHU, saying she still remembers the river Ganga and the hostel beside it.
Karki assured that Indians in Nepal would remain safe and praised the Nepal Army for restoring order, while promising justice for families affected by recent violence.
Conclusion
As Nepal navigates its political turmoil, the Gen Z-backed push for Sushila Karki to lead an interim government reflects the youth movement’s influence and desire for experienced, corruption-free leadership. Observers will closely watch how the interim government formation unfolds amid ongoing protests and curfews.