Nepal’s interim PM Sushila Karki takes charge, cabinet expansion likely today

Nepal’s interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki assumed her duties at Singha Durbar today and stepped into a pivotal role amid political unrest and ongoing opposition criticism. Karki arrived at her new office at 11 am, taking charge in the building of the Home Ministry, which has been designated as the Prime Minister’s office.

Along with assuming office, she has convened a meeting of the Chief Secretary and all ministry secretaries, where she may issue directions regarding the reinstatement of civil services. Discussions on the first expansion of her cabinet are also ongoing, and appointments could be announced today.

Karki’s elevation follows weeks of massive protests led by Nepal’s Gen Z population, triggered by allegations of corruption against former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and his cabinet.

The unrest culminated in the dissolution of Parliament, which President Ram Chandra Paudel approved on September 12. Fresh parliamentary elections have been scheduled for March 5, 2026.

The move to dissolve the House has drawn widespread criticism from Nepal’s major political parties and the Nepal Bar Association (NBA).

The Nepali Congress (NC) warned that the dissolution undermines democratic achievements and violates constitutional principles, describing it as “absolutely unconstitutional”.

NC General Secretary Bishwa Prakash Sharma said any breach of the Constitution raises serious questions. CPN-UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel termed the decision “ironically concerning”, highlighting the contradictions in support for the move compared to past governments.

The CPN (Maoist Centre) also expressed strong disagreement, saying the dissolution contravenes the constitutional framework, while NBA officials called it “arbitrary”, striking at the core of constitutionalism and weakening public trust in democratic institutions.

NBA president Vijay Prasad Mishra and general secretary Kedar Prasad Koirala urged all sectors of society to resist regressive steps and support protests against the move.

Despite domestic criticism, Karki’s interim government has received international recognition. The US ambassador to Nepal welcomed her appointment, praising the restoration of calm and a peaceful resolution following last week’s tragic events.

The envoy commended President Paudel, youth leaders, and the Nepali Army, led by Chief of Army Staff General Ashok Raj Sigdel, for facilitating a smooth transition, and expressed readiness to work with the interim government as it prepares for elections.

As the nation slowly returns to normalcy, Karki faces the challenge of steering Nepal through political turbulence, managing opposition dissent, and preparing for a smooth transition to parliamentary elections.

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