Google News Preferred Source on Google News Indian Republic Logo

Sushila Karki Takes Over as Nepal’s First Woman Prime Minister After Gen-Z Revolt

Edited by IndianRepublic.in - Location: Kathmandu 44600, Nepal

Kathmandu remained under tight military curfew on Friday as Sushila Karki, 73, was sworn in as Nepal’s first woman prime minister by the country's President Ram Chandra Paudel, taking charge of an interim government after a week of violent Gen-Z–led protests toppled the regime of K.P. Sharma Oli.

Sushila Karki Takes Over as Nepal’s First Woman Prime Minister After Gen-Z Revolt
Sushila Karki was Nepal’s first female chief justice from 2016 to 2017.
Image Source: RB Khadka
Karki, who served as Nepal’s first female chief justice from 2016 to 2017, is known for her zero-tolerance stance on corruption, a reputation that made her popular with a young population demanding change. She has said her main priority will be to guide Nepal into elections within six to twelve months.

Her name was finalised after three days of negotiations between Gen-Z leaders, the President, and the army chief. Other names considered included Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah “Balen”, a 35-year-old rapper-turned-politician, and Kulman Ghising, 54, the former electricity authority chief credited with ending nationwide blackouts.

The appointment follows weeks of turmoil triggered by a September 4 government ban on 26 social media platforms, which Gen-Z activists saw as an attempt to silence dissent. The protests quickly widened into a revolt against corruption and entrenched political elites.

Born in Biratnagar in 1952, Karki studied political science at Banaras Hindu University in India before completing law at Tribhuvan University. She began her legal career in 1979, became a senior advocate in 2007, and was appointed Supreme Court judge in 2009.

Her brief but controversial term as chief justice saw her temporarily suspended in 2017 after lawmakers filed an impeachment motion over her verdicts. She completed her tenure regardless, leaving office with a reputation as an outspoken, independent figure.

The Health Ministry had earlier confirmed at least 34 people dead and over 1,300 injured in the unrest, which began on September 4 after the government abruptly banned 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. The toll has now crossed 50.

The ban, widely seen as a gag on dissent, triggered a student-led backlash that escalated into Nepal’s worst political crisis in years.

Karki, a former chief justice of Nepal’s Supreme Court and the only woman ever to hold that post, was chosen after three days of negotiations between Gen-Z protest leaders, President Ram Chandra Paudel, and Army Chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel. 

Protest leader Ojaswi had declared: “Right now, we need an interim government, for which we have proposed the name of Sushila Karki. The constitution will remain intact, but it may need amendments.”

Karki confirmed she would accept if appointed and has pledged to guide Nepal into elections within six to twelve months. 

Other names discussed during negotiations included Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah “Balen”, a 35-year-old rapper-turned-politician, and technocrat Kul Man Ghising, credited with ending nationwide blackouts.

The protests spiraled after police opened fire on demonstrators near parliament on September 8, killing 19 in one day. 

By September 9, crowds stormed parliament, the Supreme Court, and Singha Durbar -- the presidential office -- torching government buildings, media houses, and private residences, including Oli’s home. 

Oli resigned the same evening and reportedly took refuge at an army barracks.

Amid the chaos, 13,500 prisoners escaped jails nationwide, forcing the army to launch mass roundups. 

At least 192 fugitives have been recaptured, including some detained at the Indian border and handed back by India’s Sashastra Seema Bal.

Former King Gyanendra Shah issued a rare appeal for calm, warning: “No system or ideology is greater than civic freedom.” President Paudel similarly urged restraint, promising “a swift constitutional solution to citizens’ demands.”

The violence also triggered large-scale evacuations of Indian citizens. 

Andhra Pradesh confirmed 144 Telugu nationals were airlifted from Kathmandu on Thursday, while Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said 23 Odias were safely returned. Air India and IndiGo operated special flights to clear backlogs, while Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and other state governments coordinated with India’s Ministry of External Affairs.

Indian leaders across party lines voiced concern. BJP MP Anurag Thakur said New Delhi was “taking all appropriate measures to evacuate and save Indian nationals,” while NCP-SCP MP Supriya Sule called for an all-party meeting. Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis said, “It is better if the Government of India speaks on it.”

For now, the army continues to enforce curfews in Kathmandu and major cities, with troops patrolling streets and markets opening only briefly. Hospitals remain overwhelmed, with Civil Hospital treating 436 patients from clashes. Volunteers are clearing rubble while citizens rush to stock up on food.

Loading... Loading IST...
WARSAW SHOWDOWN
View →
🌍 MULTIPOLAR MOVEMENT TRACKER ON
Loading headlines...

Loading Top Trends...

WORLD-EXCLUSIVE

Scanning sources...

🔦 Newsroom Feed

    🔗 View Source
    Font Replacer Active
    ABOUT US CONTACT US PRIVACY POLICY TERMS & CONDITIONS INDIAN DIPLOMACY PARLIAMENT SESSION POTUS TRUMP KREMLIN ALERTS LOP RAHUL GANDHI PM NARENDRA MODI