• Source:JND
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Nepal’s political uncertainty took a dramatic turn on Thursday as Generation Z protest groups endorsed former Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) chief Kulman Ghising to head the country’s interim government, following the withdrawal of Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah and former Chief Justice Sushila Karki from consideration.

Why Kulman Ghising?

Ghising, widely credited with ending the country’s crippling power cuts during his tenure at the NEA, has emerged as a consensus figure acceptable to large sections of the Gen Z-led movement. His reputation as a clean, non-political administrator has given him an edge at a time when public anger is running high against corruption and entrenched political elites.

Balen Shah, who was initially projected as the most popular choice among the protesters, declined to take up the role of interim leader. Sources said he wanted to remain focused on his responsibilities as Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor.

Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki also opted out of the race. While she enjoyed strong backing, legal hurdles under Article 132 of Nepal’s Constitution disqualified her from assuming the post of prime minister. At 71, her age was also cited by protest leaders as a factor in her withdrawal, with the movement emphasising the need for leaders who reflect the aspirations of younger generations.

Army And Youth In Negotiations

The endorsement of Ghising comes amid a backdrop of violent demonstrations that forced veteran prime minister KP Sharma Oli to resign earlier this week. Oli’s departure created a political vacuum, with the Nepali Army temporarily stepping in to stabilise the country. Army chief General Ashok Raj Sigdel met with representatives of youth groups on Wednesday. An army spokesperson confirmed that discussions were ongoing to establish a broad-based interim council that could guide Nepal until fresh elections are announced.

According to local media reports, a delegation of Gen Z activists reached the Army Headquarters to formally request participation in these negotiations. Explaining the decision, youth leaders said Shah’s reluctance and Karki’s constitutional ineligibility narrowed the field. Dharan Mayor Harka Sampang was also considered but was found to lack nationwide support. “In such a situation, we believe Kulman Ghising, who freed Nepal from the nightmare of load-shedding and commands respect across the political divide, is best suited to lead the interim cabinet,” a statement from the Gen Z coalition said.

Death Toll Rises Amid Protests

The ongoing Gen Z protests in the Kathmandu Valley have left 31 people dead and more than 1,000 injured. Violence has spread beyond the capital, with arson attacks reported in multiple districts. In one incident, the wife of former prime minister Jhalanath Khanal was critically injured after protesters targeted her residence.

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The massive youth-led protests forced Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to resign, sparking violence, arson, and widespread unrest across the country. The student-driven Gen Z movement, which initially began as a response to a government ban on social media, has grown into a nationwide uprising against corruption, political stagnation, and alleged apathy by the ruling elite.

• 12-13 inmates injured in Ramechhap prison escape attempt.

• Over 15,000 inmates fled from more than 25 prisons nationwide.

• Five juvenile inmates were killed at Banke Juvenile Reform Centre; 122 children escaped.

• Curfew extended in Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur until 6 am Friday.

• Tribhuvan International Airport resumed operations after a temporary closure.

• Clashes during protests have left 30 dead and over 1,000 injured.

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For now, Nepal’s 30 million citizens await clarity as negotiations continue. Whether Ghising formally accepts the role, and whether political parties rally behind him, will determine if the crisis-hit nation can move towards stability and fresh elections.