KATHMANDU: The expansion of the cabinet has been delayed as discussions between Gen-Z and other groups remain unresolved.
The challenge of finalizing ministerial appointments through negotiations among various factions has prevented the cabinet from being expanded on Sunday.
Interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki assumed office on Sunday morning but could not expand the cabinet. Earlier in the day, Gen-Z leader Anil Baniya had indicated that some ministerial names might be finalized by evening.
A source close to the Prime Minister said there is no definite timeline yet for cabinet formation. “It seems the cabinet will be formed within a couple of days. Preparations are underway to do it as soon as possible,” the source said.
Presidential office uninformed
Some ministers were expected to take the oath on Sunday, according to certain Gen-Z members. However, no cabinet expansion took place by evening due to internal disputes within Gen-Z. Conflicts among Gen-Z factions even led to clashes at the Reporters’ Club on Sunday.
Because the cabinet could not be expanded, the problem remains unresolved. When asked about the oath-taking, Archana Khadka Adhikari, information officer at the President’s Office, said they had no information regarding ministerial swearing-in. “If there was a ceremony, we would have been informed. All staff stayed until 6 pm, but we received no news,” she added.
Factional disputes complicate allocation
Gen-Z factions have raised specific demands. Medical professional and royalist activist Durga Prasai seeks a ministerial spot, but Gen-Z youths are not ready to accommodate him. Similarly, Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Sah is considered a key inclusion, while Dharan Mayor Hark Sampang also demands representation.
The presence of multiple groups and teams within Gen-Z has made it challenging to finalize cabinet positions, which is why the expansion remains pending. Prime Minister Karki has not publicly commented on the matter.
Earlier on Sunday, clashes among Gen-Z youths at the Reporters’ Club were reported, allegedly caused by fears of factional infiltration.
Anil Baniya stated, “We are sending expert individuals. Some groundwork is ongoing to finalize this.” He added that even after appointing ministers, the old bureaucratic structures in secretariats will not be maintained.
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