PM Narendra Modi and Nepal’s new interim PM Sushila Karki (Images/Agencies)
NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday extended his best wishes to Sushila Karki on assuming office as the Prime Minister of Nepal’s Interim Government. In a tweet, PM Modi said, “I extend my best wishes to Right Hon. Mrs. Sushila Karki on assuming office as the Prime Minister of the Interim Government of Nepal. India remains firmly committed to the peace, progress and prosperity of the people of Nepal.“The Ministry of External Affairs also welcomed the formation of the new interim government on Friday, expressing hope that it would foster peace and stability in the neighbouring country.The statement read, “As a close neighbour, a fellow democracy and a long-term development partner, India will continue to work closely with Nepal for the well-being and prosperity of our two peoples and countries.”Karki took oath as Nepal’s interim Prime Minister at a ceremony in Sheetal Niwas, the presidential office, administered by President Ramchandra Paudel. She was appointed following widespread “Gen Z” protests that led to the fall of the KP Sharma Oli government. The demonstrations, initially sparked by a short-lived social media ban, escalated into a broader movement against corruption, nepotism and entrenched political elites, resulting in attacks on government buildings and deployment of troops across Kathmandu.Other contenders for the post included former Nepal Electricity Authority chief Kulman Ghising, Kathmandu mayor Balendra Shah and Dharan mayor Harka Sampang. Karki, who became Nepal’s first female Chief Justice in 2016, had previously faced impeachment over alleged biased verdicts and interference in executive matters.
