Sushila Karki Interim Prime Minister: Gen Z’s Choice for Nepal

Sushila Karki Interim Prime Minister: Nepal is currently undergoing a major political upheaval following Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s resignation. It was following significant campaigns from students. In a somewhat surprising turn of events, Gen Z protesters have rallied around Sushila Karki. She country’s former Chief Justice, as their choice as leader of an interim government. This is part of one of the more significant developments leading today’s trending news as Nepal continues to weather its political crisis.

So who is Sushila Karki?

Sushila Karki has the distinction of knowing what it means to really create history. She became the first woman in Nepal to be the Chief Justice in 2016-2017. As Chief Justice, she earned a reputation as a very strong and serious performing leader in Nepal’s judiciary. It is because of her stand against corruption.

Sushila Karki was born on June 7, 1952, in Biratnagar, and after schooling in Nepal, she went to India. In 1975 Sushila Karki finished her MA in Political Science from Banaras Hindu University (BHU), then she finished her law degree from Tribhuvan University in 1978. She loves India, has many memories from BHU, and respects the leadership of India firmly.

Why Did Gen Z Put Her Forward?

The decision to name Karki appears to have been a formal vote made during an online conference for the Gen-Z movement. Protesters with rallies being organized across the country see her as a principled leader who can build public faith in government.

Names such as Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah and former electricity board boss Kulman Ghising were also considered. There nevertheless was a long history of leadership experience in Karki, as well as a pure anti-corruption stance that made her the preferred candidate for the interim role.

Nepal’s Political Crossroad Made Clear

The crisis has tumbled out following the resignation of KP Sharma Oli earlier this week. A crisis which occurred under the pressure of student protests which have spread across the country faster than anyone expected.
With the Nepal Army now involved in keeping order, curfews and lockdowns have occurred in a number of areas.

This current political crisis is not simply a shake-up of the leadership; it marks a time for generational accountability and transformation. Gen Z activists are firm in their demand for an accountable and transparent government, helping raise the prospect of a different kind of youth-influenced political activity in South Asia.

Sushila Karki’s Connection to India

Karki’s academic credentials and family ties show her lasting connection to India. In a recent interview, she shared some fond views about Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying he left a “good impression.”

Karki also shared the people-to-people connection that India and Nepal share, given cultural and family ties and common traditions. In recalling her own time at BHU, she reminisced about the Ganga river and her experience as a student in Varanasi.

On India-Nepal relations, she said:

“India has always supported Nepal.” We are very close…(Although) when you are keeping tools in one kitchen, you can make some noise.”

This comment reflects her own view of fluctuations in bilateral relations over time with goodwill from both sides.

What is Next for Nepal?

Karki’s judicial precision, probably as accurate as the Delhi High Court, could soon determine the political direction of Nepal. She could lead Nepal into a reform-minded government, termed interim.

However, the challenges are immense: they must find peace, address the protestors concerns, and ensure a smooth transition of power. The situation is still developing and much will depend on how the Nepal Army and political elites respond to this youth-led initiative for change.

The selection of Sushila Karki as the interim prime ministerial candidate is a brave move by Nepal’s youth.
There is a wider regional trend with youth groups calling for honesty and transparency in politics. While it is not over, this story is already made its way to the trending news today, in Nepal and in South Asia.