Nepal political crisis: From Balen Shah to Kul Man Ghising — Top names for interim leader for new govt

Nepal political crisis: From Balen Shah to Kul Man Ghising — Top names for interim leader for new govt

Top names for Nepal interim leader Photograph: (AFP, X, Social media)

Story highlights

Amid Nepal’s political turmoil, Gen Z protests continue post-govt collapse. KP Oli flees, issuing anti-India remarks. Protesters demand change—some backing monarchy, others reform. Key names for PM include Balen Shah, Sushila Karki, Kul Man Ghising, Harka Sampang, and Sumana Shrestha.

The government in Nepal has fallen, but the protest is continuing. Some say Gen Z wants monarchy back, others say that they want a corruption-free government. Ex-PM KP Oli has fled and issued an anti-India statement, while other former leaders have said that there should be a people-led government. Amid the chaos and breakdown of political order, several names are floating for the post of new Prime Minister. A section of protesters support Kathmandu Mayor Balendra aka Balen Shah, while Others support former Nepal Supreme Court Chief Justice Sushila Karki. On Sep 11, another name made headlines - Kul Man Ghising.

Here's a list of all the names that are floating for new Nepal leaders :

  • Kathmandu Mayor Balendra aka Balen Shah
  • Former Nepal Supreme Court Chief Justice Sushila Karki
  • Kul Man Ghising
  • Harka Sampang
  • Sumana Shrestha

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Nepal Protest

Nepal is witnessing a youth-led protest over digital censorship that soon spiralled into a full-blown political crisis. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli stepped down. Several ministers were assaulted, chased and their homes were set afire by angry protesters. Rajyalaxmi Chitrakar, wife of former PM Jhalanath Khanal, died after her home was torched. Protesters also stormed and set fire to key government buildings, including Parliament, the PM’s residence, and the President’s house.

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While the trigger was a sweeping government move on September 4, when 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Whatsapp and X were blocked, protesters, mostly youngsters, also came to the streets over rising corruption, a lack of accountability and inequality from the top echelons of the nation. Termed by many as the ‘Gen Z Protest’ or even the ‘Gen Z Revolution’, Nepal on Tuesday witnessed widespread unrest marked by vandalism, violent clashes, and assaults on public officials. At least 19 people were killed in a deadly clash between protesters and security forces in Nepal as protests intensified. Moreover, Nepali police said that more than 13,500 prisoners broke out of jails across the country during anti-government protests.

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About the Author

Navashree Nandini works as a senior sub-editor and has over five years of experience. She writes about global conflicts ranging from India and its neighbourhood to West Asia to the...Read More