Nepal’s Interim PM Sushila Karki expands Cabinet, inducts three key ministers

Nepal’s interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki has expanded expanded her Cabinet with the induction of three new ministers on Monday, just days after assuming office.

According to officials at the Prime Minister’s Office, former Nepal Electricity Authority chief Kulman Ghising will head the Ministry of Energy, Urban Development and Physical Infrastructure, senior advocate Om Prakash Aryal will take charge of the Ministry of Law and Home Affairs and former finance secretary Rameshwor Khanal will lead the Ministry of Finance.

The names have already been forwarded to President Ram Chandra Paudel and the swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for Monday, officials at Shital Niwas confirmed.

Karki, a former chief justice, was appointed interim prime minister on Friday, September 12, following the ouster of KP Sharma Oli amid nationwide protests against corruption and restrictions on social media. She formally assumed office on Sunday. The interim government has been tasked with stabilising the country and holding fresh elections by March 5.

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In her first address, Karki underlined that her administration is not in office to “taste power” but to restore order and prepare for polls within six months. “We won’t succeed without your support,” she told reporters at Singha Durbar.

Officials said Karki plans to keep her Cabinet to 15 members and is in discussions over further appointments. Pressure had mounted to quickly fill the finance and home ministries to instill confidence among the public and the business community.

The appointments come in the aftermath of violent protests on September 9 that left at least 72 people dead, including three policemen, 59 protesters, and 10 prisoners. Karki has vowed to investigate and punish those responsible, describing the arson and vandalism as “pre-planned” acts not led by the country’s youth.

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She also pledged state support for families of the deceased and those who suffered property losses during the unrest.