KATHMANDU: As President Ram Chandra Paudel works to resolve the ongoing political crisis triggered by the Gen-Z generation’s nationwide protests against corruption and government mismanagement, second-generation leaders within major political parties are pushing to retire six former prime ministers from active politics.
Following Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s resignation and exit from Baluwatar amid mounting public pressure, President Paudel has intensified consultations with political parties and constitutional experts to address the crisis.
The Nepali Army is facilitating talks with the protestors, who have demanded the formation of an interim government.
A growing consensus has emerged among Gen-Z protestors and political insiders to appoint former Chief Justice Sushila Karki as the head of the interim government.
Amid public anxiety over the nation’s political direction, second-tier leaders from the Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, Maoist Center, and Unified Socialist have been holding internal discussions to manage the transition. Their central proposal: retire six former prime ministers who have dominated Nepali politics for decades.
According to party sources, these leaders believe that KP Sharma Oli, Sher Bahadur Deuba, Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda, Madhav Kumar Nepal, Jhalanath Khanal, and Dr. Baburam Bhattarai should step aside to pave the way for new leadership.
Preparations are reportedly underway to have all six issue a joint statement announcing their retirement from active politics. The initiative is being coordinated by office-bearers and senior leaders within all four parties.
“We’re working on getting a joint statement from all six former prime ministers, urging them to retire and allow the country to move forward with fresh leadership,” a senior official from a left-leaning party told Khabarhub.
Mixed reactions among former PMs
Jhalanath Khanal, a senior figure in the Unified Socialist party, is reportedly supportive of the proposal. “Comrade Jhalanath is ready to step back from active politics,” said one insider.
Meanwhile, Dr. Baburam Bhattarai has also responded positively. Baburamji has put forward some good ideas. He appears supportive of the proposal,” the source added.
Internal talks within the Nepali Congress
Informal discussions have also taken place within the Nepali Congress regarding the retirement initiative. Party office bearers have viewed the proposal favorably, contingent on similar commitments from other parties.
“We’ve discussed this proposal within our core team. If leaders from other parties agree to it, we’re willing to present it to President Deuba as well,” said a Nepali Congress leader.
According to insiders, if KP Oli, Prachanda, and Madhav Nepal also agree to retire, the second-tier leaders’ strategy could succeed in ushering in a new political era.
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