After days of violence and turmoil, and the removal of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Shushila Karki has been sworn in as the new interim Prime Minister of Nepal. After her election was confirmed, the Prime Minister of India affirmed that the country is committed to ensuring peace, progress, and prosperity for the people in Nepal. He also extended his wishes to the new Prime Minister from Manipur, where he is visiting as of Saturday.
When the news of Ms Karki’s election was confirmed, Mr Modi also said that the change would bring stability in Nepal, where the youth were protesting against corruption and unemployment. Karki is Nepal’s first woman Prime Minister and an anti-corruption activist. She had also served as Nepal’s first woman Chief Justice. The swearing-in ceremony of the new leader took place at the president’s house, in the presence of President Poudel.
Reports suggested that Mr Poudel was against the dissolution of parliament before the election of the new cabinet, but due to protestors’ demand and the grave situation, the decision was taken, and the newly elected Prime Minister also heeded to the demands of the protestors.
During the same gathering, the President of Nepal had announced the elections to the House of Representatives to be held next year from 5 March. As per the President’s office, the newly elected Prime Minister will form the cabinet, which will look into the elections due in March, as the parliament remains dissolved due to the protest.
PM Modi took to his X handle to congratulate the newly elected Prime Minister of Nepal. The protest in Nepal that began over a social media ban had fueled the fire of corruption and unemployment, leading to a violent movement against the government. The authorities have come down heavily, and a total of 50 people have been killed. The situation has started easing since Thursday evening when the protesting GenZs were asked to vote for a leader, and over 73% people voted in favour of former Chief Justice Shushila Karki.
Earlier on Friday, when the news of the election was announced, the Ministry of External Affairs, in an address, said that India welcomed the decision and will continue to support Nepal in its progress and development.
