After Deadly Protests, Kul Man Ghising Emerges As Likely Nepal Interim PM, Sidestepping Balendra Shah And Former CJI

Nepal is edging towards appointing Kul Man Ghising, the engineer credited with ending its crippling power cuts, as interim Prime Minister, after three days of violent anti-corruption protests toppled KP Sharma Oli’s government, NDTV reported.

The “Gen Z protests,” sparked by a controversial ban on social media platforms, escalated into a nationwide uprising demanding clean governance and economic reforms. At least 31 people have died and over 1,300 were injured since Monday, with troops patrolling Kathmandu to restore order after mobs stormed Parliament and the historic Singha Darbar.

Protest leaders held a six-hour virtual meeting on Thursday (11 September) to decide on a caretaker leader. Besides Ghising, they weighed Kathmandu Mayor Balendra “Balen” Shah and former Chief Justice Sushila Karki.

Shah reportedly declined the post despite his huge following among young Nepalis. Karki was briefly backed but later rejected by a faction citing constitutional limits on ex-judges and concerns over her age.

Ghising, described by demonstrators as “a patriot and everyone’s favourite,” has unexpectedly become the consensus choice. Media reports suggested Karki had explored talks with the Army, which has assumed temporary control. Army chief Gen Ashok Raj Sigdel pledged to step back once a new government is installed.

Nepal’s 2015 Constitution requires the President to appoint a prime minister from the largest party or, failing that, an MP who can win a confidence vote. Otherwise, Parliament may be dissolved and fresh polls held.

Meanwhile, India urged calm and strengthened border security to contain any fallout, warning its citizens in Nepal to exercise caution.

Oli’s whereabouts remain unclear after he reportedly left Kathmandu on a military aircraft.

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