Youth-Led Protests Force Oli’s Exit

Nepal’s political landscape has undergone a dramatic transformation after massive youth-led protests forced Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli to resign. His departure cleared the way for Sushila Karki, former Chief Justice of Nepal, to take charge as the new interim Prime Minister. At 73, Karki is not only the first woman to hold the country’s highest judicial post but now also the first woman to assume the role of Prime Minister.

Her elevation comes at a moment when the people are demanding greater accountability, and observers see her rise as a potential boost for India after years of strained relations with Oli, who pursued a distinctly pro-China stance.

Karki’s Journey: From Courtroom to Streets

Karki’s rise to power is rooted in her long-standing fight against corruption. Appointed Chief Justice in July 2016, she quickly gained national attention through landmark verdicts against corrupt government officials. These rulings earned her respect across Nepal, particularly among the younger generation, who embraced her as a symbol of integrity and even a style icon.

Her association with anti-corruption movements and her willingness to challenge regimes positioned her as a natural figurehead when mass youth demonstrations erupted, ultimately driving Oli out of office.

Deep Ties with India

Sushila Karki’s personal and academic journey reflects deep connections with India. Born in Biratnagar, just 25 miles from the Indian border, she pursued postgraduate studies in Political Science at Banaras Hindu University (BHU). In a recent interview, she fondly recalled her professors, her friendships, and the sleepless summer nights spent on the hostel rooftop overlooking the Ganges. “Those days by the Ganga are deeply ingrained in my memory,” she said, reflecting her lasting affection for India.

Her pro-India outlook is further reinforced by her admiration for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, whom she described as a leader she “deeply respects.” Karki also emphasized the strong people-to-people links between Nepal and India, pointing to the interwoven families along the 1,750 km common border stretching across Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, and Sikkim. “Indian leaders treat us like brothers,” she noted, striking a starkly different tone from her predecessor.

The Oli Era: Pro-China Tilt and Strained Ties

By contrast, Oli’s premiership was marked by increasing hostility towards India. His government triggered diplomatic disputes over Lipulekh, Kalapani, and Limpiyadhura, territories he claimed for Nepal, and even controversially proclaimed that Lord Ram’s birthplace was in Nepal rather than Ayodhya.

Even in his farewell speech, Oli remained defiant, blaming his resignation on his refusal to bow to “Indian pressures.” He doubled down on his anti-India and pro-China stance, further deepening divisions.

The Price of Unrest

The protests that brought down Oli have not been without tragedy. Clashes have led to the deaths of young demonstrators, creating fresh waves of anger and sorrow in the streets of Kathmandu and beyond. Prime Minister Modi expressed his concern over the violence in a social media post while reviewing regional security needs with his ministers.

The stakes remain high. Nearly 35 lakh Nepalis live and work in India under the 1950 Treaty of Peace and Friendship, and approximately 32,000 Gorkha soldiers serve in the Indian Army. Political stability in Nepal is therefore not only vital for its own citizens but also for regional security and the long-standing partnership between the two neighbors.

A Moment of Transition

Sushila Karki now stands at a historic crossroads. With her reputation for integrity, her academic and personal ties to India, and the backing of a restless younger generation, her leadership is being closely watched. Whether she can steer Nepal toward stability and strengthen ties with India will define not only her legacy but also the next chapter in Nepal’s democratic journey.

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