Ex-Chief Justice Sushila Karki Proposed as Nepal’s Interim Prime Minister

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Sushila Karki, Nepal’s former Chief Justice and the first woman to hold that office, has been proposed as the country’s interim Prime Minister. Karki, now 73, is respected for her independent decisions during her tenure from 2016 to 2017 and her firm stance against corruption. She completed her higher education at Tribhuvan University in Nepal and at Banaras Hindu University in India.

The proposal comes at a time of intense political turmoil. Anti-corruption protests, led largely by young citizens, have been ongoing for days. Demonstrations were triggered by the government’s decision to ban social media platforms, a move that fueled anger over broader issues, including corruption and unemployment. Violence during the protests forced Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli to resign, leaving a leadership vacuum.

Leaders of the youth-led movement have put forward Sushila Karki’s name for interim leadership, citing her neutrality and distance from political parties. They believe her track record as a non-partisan figure could help restore confidence and guide the country through the current unrest.

In her remarks, Karki highlighted the deep social and cultural ties between Nepal and India. She said, “Indians and Nepalese are not bound only by governments; people share good relations. I greet Modi Ji with respect.” She added that her immediate concern would be to restore peace and law and order in Nepal.

While many see her as a unifying figure, there is also resistance from some protest groups who argue that interim leadership should reflect the younger generation driving the demonstrations. Discussions between the army, legal representatives, and protest leaders are ongoing to reach a consensus.

Nepal’s priority remains to bring stability, lift curfews, and rebuild public trust. If appointed, Sushila Karki would become the first woman to lead Nepal as Prime Minister, marking another milestone in her distinguished career. Her ability to balance diverse expectations will be key to guiding Nepal through this transitional period.