Former Indian diplomat Mahesh Sachdev on Thursday described the proposal to appoint Nepal’s former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as the head of an interim government as a “positive development” that could help steer the crisis-hit nation back toward stability.
Speaking to ANI, Sachdev stressed that Karki is widely seen as a “non-controversial and respected figure” who remains untainted by corruption, unlike many political leaders currently under public scrutiny.
“This generation alleges that most leaders and institutions, including parliament, have failed in their constitutional responsibilities. By assigning leadership to someone with an impeccable reputation, the country can be set back on the course of normalcy. It does not abrogate the constitution; rather, this appointment, even if interim, would set the stage for necessary reforms,” Sachdev explained.
His remarks come as the death toll from the ongoing Gen Z protests in Nepal climbed to 34, with over 1,368 people injured, according to data from the Ministry of Health and Population cited by The Himalayan Times. While many of the injured have been discharged, several remain under treatment at hospitals across Kathmandu.
Meanwhile, Nepal’s President Ram Chandra Paudel is expected to chair a high-level meeting on Friday at the President’s House, bringing together Army Chief Ashok Raj Sigdel, Chief Justice Prakash Man Singh Raut, and leaders of the CPN (Maoist Centre) to discuss the escalating crisis.
On Thursday, leaders of the Gen Z movement formally endorsed Karki — Nepal’s first female Chief Justice — as their preferred choice for interim Prime Minister, citing her integrity and independence. The move follows the resignation of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli amid mounting nationwide demonstrations against corruption and governance failures.