Nepal Gets Its First Woman Prime Minister as Sushila Karki Secures Consensus

Sushila Karki set to become Nepal’s first female Prime Minister, with President Ram Chandra Paudel administering the oath

Nepal is preparing to welcome its first woman Prime Minister, with former Chief Justice Sushila Karki chosen for the top role. President Ram Chandra Paudel will soon administer her oath of office. A strong consensus has emerged around her name, particularly among Gen Z supporters. Kathmandu Mayor and Prime Minister hopeful Balen Shah also extended his support to Karki. Meanwhile, Kulman Ghising, the former head of Nepal Electricity Authority, was also considered for the interim Prime Minister’s post but did not secure enough backing.

For many years, Sushila Karki has been a visible face of anti-government protests in Nepal. As Chief Justice, she delivered several landmark rulings against corruption, which boosted her popularity among the country’s youth.

Nepal’s first woman Chief Justice

At 73, Sushila Karki brings a remarkable legacy. Born on June 7, 1952, in Biratnagar, she made history on July 11, 2016, when she became Nepal’s first female Chief Justice. However, her tenure was brief, lasting less than a year. On April 30, 2017, an impeachment motion was filed against her, leading to her suspension from the post.

Karki is the eldest of seven siblings. In 1972, she completed her BA from Mahendra Morang Campus in Biratnagar. Three years later, in 1975, she earned her master’s degree in Political Science from Banaras Hindu University (BHU), India. In 1978, she graduated in law from Tribhuvan University, Nepal, and began practicing law the following year.

What Karki thinks about India

During a recent interview, Sushila Karki fondly recalled her student days in India. “I still remember my teachers at BHU. I remember my friends there and the Ganga River,” she said. She described her hostel near the river, recalling how students used to sleep on the rooftop during hot summer nights.

Karki expressed positive views about India–Nepal relations. “I greet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. I have a good opinion about him,” she said. She emphasized the need to strengthen dialogue, stating, “We have not been in touch with India for some time. We will discuss it. When an international matter arises between two countries, some people sit together and make policy.”

She clarified that ties between governments differ from people-to-people connections. “The people of Nepal and India share excellent relations. It is a very good bond. Many of our relatives and acquaintances have strong goodwill and affection toward each other,” she added. Karki also mentioned her admiration for Indian leaders, saying, “We consider them our brothers and sisters.”

Hailing from Biratnagar, just 25 miles from the Indian border, Karki highlighted her deep personal ties with India. She said she frequently visited markets near the border. Her remarks underline that her rise to power signals a positive turn for India–Nepal relations.