A new name is doing the rounds in Nepal — Kulman Ghising — who could possibly lead the interim government days after the resignation by Prime Minister KP Singh Oli. The name started doing the rounds after Sushila Karki, a former chief justice, and Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah, refused to lead the government.
Ghising, an engineer, is the head of the Nepal Electricity Authority. Ghising, widely respected for ending nationwide load-shedding and regarded as a clean and capable national figure, will guide the country until fresh elections are held.
The announcement was made on Thursday as part of Nepal’s ongoing anti-corruption and good governance movement, spearheaded by Gen Z activists. The movement hailed the formation of an interim council as an “unprecedented success” in steering the country through its political transition.
Balen Shah, initially seen as a strong candidate to lead the council, declined participation. Similarly, Sushila Karki withdrew, citing constitutional hurdles and her own reluctance, while also being considered too senior to represent Gen Z leadership.
Reports in Nepali media noted that a group of Gen Z youths reached Army Headquarters, seeking to be included in the ongoing negotiations over the interim government’s structure.
Deadly Protests and Army Involvement
Nepal’s political shift follows violent protests that forced the resignation of its veteran prime minister and set parliament ablaze. The death toll from the Gen Z demonstrations in the Kathmandu Valley has climbed to 34, according to the Ministry of Health, with over 1,000 people injured.
The Nepali Army has temporarily taken charge of the nation of 30 million people. Army chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel held talks with senior figures and representatives of Gen Z on Wednesday, though details remain limited.
Meanwhile, the unrest has also seen violent attacks across the country. The Kathmandu Post reported that the wife of former Nepalese Prime Minister Khanal is in critical condition following an arson attack during the demonstrations.
