President Paudel safe at Sheetal Niwas; Sushila Karki likely to become interim PM

KATHMANDU: President Ram Chandra Poudel has been meeting with constitutional experts at Sheetal Niwas amid the ongoing political crisis.

After these consultations, insiders say the President is preparing to appoint former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as interim Prime Minister (PM) in response to demands from the GenG generation.

A constitutional expert who met with the President said that they had urged for youth representation in the interim government, respecting the sentiments of the younger generation, and expressed hope that Sushila Karki would assume the role by today morning.

Among those who visited Sheetal Niwas for the discussions were Bhimarjun Acharya, Bipin Adhikari, Purnaman Shakya, Chandrakanta Gyawali, Surya Dhungel, Lalit Bahadur Basnet, and others; they left the President’s residence in the evening after several hours of talks.

Regarding reports about damage to Sheetal Niwas, a constitutional expert clarified that only the front part of the residence was burnt while the newer building remains intact.

They confirmed meeting the President there and asserted that the President is safe. Rumors that the army has taken over or that the President is out of control, they said, are unfounded.

Furthermore, constitutional experts believe that the interim Prime Minister likely appointed will be an independent figure outside the major parties, reflecting the GenG generation’s rejection of traditional party politics.

One expert said that given current developments, Sushila Karki is almost certain to be selected. If so, she would become Nepal’s first female Prime Minister, marking a historic moment for the country.