Nepal,Sep.13,2025:Sushila Karki Nepal Interim Prime Minister is a phrase echoing across global headlines today. On Friday evening, after days of heated negotiations, Nepal appointed its first woman interim Prime Minister – Sushila Karki. A respected figure known for her integrity, she has stepped into leadership at one of the most turbulent moments in the country’s recent history.
Her appointment comes after the resignation of KP Sharma Oli, who was forced out of office amid massive anti-corruption protests led primarily by Nepal’s Gen Z population. These protests, marked by tragic violence and 51 confirmed deaths, have shaken the foundations of Nepal’s political establishment.
Why Sushila Karki Was Chosen
Nepalese President Ram Chandra Paudel administered the oath of office to Sushila Karki Nepal Interim Prime Minister late on Friday.
Her name emerged as a consensus candidate after youth groups, opposition leaders, and legal experts demanded someone with credibility, independence, and honesty. Karki’s reputation as a corruption fighter made her the strongest choice.
Even Kathmandu’s mayor, Balen Shah, a cultural icon among young Nepalis, voiced his support. On X (formerly Twitter), Shah wrote:
“The name put forward by the youth – former Chief Justice Sushila Karki – has my complete support to lead the interim government.”
Gen Z Protests and Youth Power
The road to Karki’s appointment was paved by Nepal’s Gen Z movement, a leaderless but powerful uprising fueled by social media.
- Protesters accused the Oli government of corruption, abuse of power, and a proposed social media ban that threatened free expression.
- Demonstrations swept through major cities, leading to clashes with police.
- According to police reports, 51 people have died so far in related events.
Karki acknowledged this tragedy in her first remarks, saying:
“My first priority will be the boys and girls who lost their lives in the protests. We must do something for them and their families who are in deep sorrow.”
This emotional connection with the youth explains why the Gen Z movement trusted her with interim leadership.
Balen Shah’s Role in the Movement
Another name tied closely to this political shift is Balen Shah, Kathmandu’s young mayor and a popular rapper.
- In 2022, Shah shocked traditional parties by defeating the Nepali Congress candidate Srijana Singh with over 61,000 votes.
- During the Gen Z protests, many called on Shah to resign as mayor and lead the national movement.
- Instead, he chose to remain in his post but actively supported the youth’s demands and endorsed Karki.
This blend of traditional leadership (Karki) and new-age influence (Shah) shows how Nepal’s politics is entering a new hybrid era.
Who is Sushila Karki
Born on June 7, 1952, in Biratnagar, eastern Nepal, Karki’s journey to becoming Sushila Karki Nepal Interim Prime Minister is extraordinary.
- Graduated from Biratnagar in 1972.
- Completed her post-graduate studies in Political Science at Banaras Hindu University (BHU), India in 1975.
- Earned a law degree from Tribhuvan University in 1978.
- Began her legal career in 1979 in Biratnagar while also teaching at Dharan’s Mahendra Multiple Campus.
Her rise in Nepal’s legal system was steady and groundbreaking.
Her Career as Nepal’s First Woman Chief Justice
Karki’s most historic role before becoming Prime Minister was her appointment as Nepal’s first female Chief Justice.
- Appointed as a temporary Supreme Court justice in 2009.
- Became a permanent justice in 2010.
- Served as Acting Chief Justice briefly in 2016.
- Officially led the judiciary from July 11, 2016 to June 6, 2017.
Her tenure was marked by tough anti-corruption rulings, which earned her both respect and enemies in the political establishment.
The Impeachment Controversy
In 2017, Karki was nearly removed from her position when the government tabled an impeachment motion against her.
- She was accused of bias and interference in government affairs.
- This led to her suspension as Chief Justice.
- However, widespread public outcry and support for judicial independence forced parliament to withdraw the motion.
This episode cemented her image as a fearless woman unwilling to bend under political pressure.
India Connection- Education and Memories
Karki’s bond with India goes beyond geopolitics. She studied at Banaras Hindu University in Varanasi, where she completed her master’s degree in Political Science.
In a recent interview with CNN-News18, she shared her fond memories:
“I still remember the Ganga river, my teachers, my friends, and the summer nights sitting on the hostel rooftop watching the flowing river.”
Her hometown Biratnagar is just 25 miles from the Indian border, and she frequently visited Indian markets. She also speaks Hindi, though she modestly admits it is “not perfect.”
On bilateral relations, she remarked:
“India and Nepal have always had close ties. Governments may change, but the people’s relationship remains strong.”
For more context on India–Nepal ties, see The Hindu’s coverage.
Nepal’s Political Crisis Explained
To understand the significance of Sushila Karki Nepal Interim Prime Minister, we must see the larger crisis.
- KP Sharma Oli resigned on Tuesday after mounting pressure.
- His tenure was marred by corruption scandals and attempts to regulate social media.
- The Gen Z protests revealed deep dissatisfaction with Nepal’s old political elite.
This crisis is not just about one leader – it is about Nepal’s struggle to reform its democratic institutions.
Challenges Ahead for the Interim PM
Karki faces enormous challenges-
- Conducting Free Elections – Her top mandate is to oversee credible elections.
- Restoring Order – Protests have left families grieving and public trust shaken.
- Fighting Corruption – The biggest demand from protesters remains the removal of corruption from Nepal’s political system.
- Balancing India and China – Nepal’s two giant neighbors will closely watch her tenure.
The appointment of Sushila Karki Nepal Interim Prime Minister is more than a change in leadership – it is a generational shift. She represents integrity, legal authority, and a bridge between the demands of the youth and the structures of the state.
Whether she can stabilize Nepal and guide it toward free elections will define not only her legacy but also the future of Nepali democracy.
