(source : ANI) ( Photo Credit : ani)
Nepal’s Historic Moment: Sushila Karki Sworn In as First Woman Interim Prime Minister
In a groundbreaking event for Nepal, former Chief Justice Sushila Karki took the oath as the country’s interim Prime Minister on Friday. This makes her the first woman to lead the Himalayan nation, marking a fresh chapter in its turbulent politics.
President Ramchandra Paudel administered the oath at a special ceremony in Sheetal Niwas, the presidential residence in Kathmandu. Karki steps into the role after KP Sharma Oli resigned earlier this week. His exit came amid intense pressure from a powerful nationwide movement led by Gen Z activists, who rallied against political corruption and a stuck governance system. They called for a neutral leader to steer Nepal through this tough transition.
What stands out is how Karki got picked—through a public vote on Discord, organized by Gen Z leaders. She topped the list as the most trusted choice, winning over not just the youth but also old-school political groups hungry for stability. As The Kathmandu Post reports, this rare agreement in Nepal’s divided politics shows her wide appeal.
Karki now faces big tasks: restoring calm, organizing elections, and pushing Nepal’s development forward. People praise her for staying independent as a judge, making her a solid pick for both young protesters and traditional leaders.
Born on June 7, 1952, in Shankarpur, Biratnagar, Karki built her career on strong legal roots and rock-solid integrity. She finished early schooling in Biratnagar, then grabbed a master’s from Banaras Hindu University in India and a law degree from Tribhuvan University in 1978.
She started practicing law in 1979 and rose quickly. Karki led the Koshi Zonal Bar Association and Biratnagar Appellate Bar before landing a Supreme Court spot in 2009. In July 2016, she broke barriers as Nepal’s first woman Chief Justice. Her bold rulings in major corruption cases against politicians earned her respect.
Even though she joined the top court via the Nepali Congress quota, colleagues say she never let politics sway her. Her term ended abruptly in June 2017 after a controversial impeachment push by a Sher Bahadur Deuba-led coalition. Many saw it as a bid to block her ruling on a police chief appointment. Still, Karki stood firm.
Those who know her call her brave and honest, living a simple life like a true Gandhian. Former Supreme Court Justice Ananda Mohan Bhattarai shared with The Kathmandu Post that Karki and her husband Durga Subedi— a Congress leader who once hijacked a plane in 1973 to support the anti-Panchayat movement—fought hard for Nepal’s democracy.
"They’re real Gandhians in thought and action," Bhattarai said. "Taking on this huge role shows her courage. We must back her to guide Nepal through this change with top democratic values. I’m confident she’ll succeed."
Karki never shied from fighting corruption. Her court delivered key wins against crooked politicians, always upholding her principles. Senior advocate Bipin Adhikari, a professor at Kathmandu University School of Law, added, "She’s lived with top integrity her whole life. In these tough times, she needs a strong team to run the government well."
Some wonder if Karki can fully sync with Gen Z’s bold ideas. But Bhattarai disagrees: "The youth found a real protector in her. It’s their smartest pick."
Earlier Friday, Nepal’s House Speaker and National Assembly Chairperson released a joint statement on the political crisis. They expressed shock over the violence during Gen Z protests on September 8 and 9, 2025 (Bhadra 23 and 24, 2082 in the Nepali calendar).
"We’re heartbroken by the loss of young lives and police officers in the line of duty," the statement said. "Our deepest condolences go to the families. We wish quick recovery to the injured and urge authorities to provide full medical support without delays."
The leaders condemned the arson and vandalism that hit the Federal Parliament Building in Baneshwor, the Secretariat in Singha Durbar, government offices, homes, media outlets, shops, public spots, and historic records. "This destruction has caused lasting harm to Nepal," they noted, calling for unity to heal the nation.
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