Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki likely to become Nepal’s interim PM after Gen Z protests
Sushila Karki was controversially removed from her post as Chief Justice in 2017 by then PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’
PTC Web Desk: Nepal’s former Chief Justice, Sushila Karki, is expected to be appointed as the interim Prime Minister following the resignation of KP Sharma Oli amid massive Gen Z-led protests, say sources.
Sushila Karki, who was controversially removed from her post as Chief Justice in 2017 by then Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ and a majority of MPs, has emerged as the popular choice of the younger generation demanding political change.
The protests erupted on Monday after a ban on social media platforms, which was later revoked. However, demonstrations escalated into a nationwide anti-government movement, leaving at least 31 persons dead and more than 1,033 injured. Protesters also set fire to government buildings and residences of lawmakers, eventually forcing Oli to step down.
A constitutional expert consulted by President Ramchandra Paudel and army chief Ashok Raj Sigdel confirmed Karki’s appointment. “They (Gen Z) want her. This will happen today,” the source was quoted as saying. A key meeting at the President’s residence was scheduled for 9 am (3:15 GMT) to finalise the decision, according to protest leaders.
Who is Sushila Karki?
Sushila Karki’s candidacy for interim prime minister gained momentum after protesters reached out to the Supreme Court Bar Association’s secretary. In a virtual meeting that lasted nearly four hours, Karki reportedly received more support than Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah, who was also considered for the post.
Born on June 7, 1952, in Biratnagar of Morang district, Karki made history as Nepal’s first female Chief Justice. She graduated from Mahendra Morang College, completed her Master’s in Political Science at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in India, and later studied law at Tribhuvan University, Nepal.
Reflecting on her BHU days, she recently shared in an interview that she still remembers her professors, late friends, and the river Ganga, along with her time in the hostel.