Despite the coup being days old, clarity about Nepal's new government remains elusive. New names and faces continue to stir confusion. Amidst this, arguments erupted among Gen-Z supporters outside the army headquarters. At the HQ, interim government discussions are in motion. Within their ranks, Gen-Z activists are split; differences hit a peak as they physically clashed in the streets.
Today, a group of Gen-Z activists assembled outside Kathmandu’s military headquarters, demanding transparency about the dialogue happening inside. They warned that they won’t allow the movement to be compromised. Their fury was stoked by the news that, besides Sushila Karki, right-wing leader and medical entrepreneur Durga Prasai was summoned for talks at the army headquarters. A controversial image from 2017 showing Prasai sharing a meal with KP Sharma Oli and Prachanda further fuels the fire. He is credited with igniting the pro-monarchy movement in March and is known to switch sides based on the political climate.
Deliberation on Kulman Ghising
On the flip side, youths rejected Sushila Karki, citing her age as a hindrance to leadership and choosing instead to back Kulman Ghising for interim leadership. Known for extinguishing the power shortage in Nepal, Ghising became the Managing Director of the Nepal Electricity Authority in 2016. He not only eliminated the long-standing issue of load shedding but also turned Nepal into an electricity exporter, boosting the nation's economy. His uncompromising stance against political and corporate malfeasance garnered immense youth support.
While improvements in the power sector brightened young people's lives, his staunch stand against corruption made him a youth icon. However, KP Oli's government ousted him after an 8-year tenure, prompting youth uprisings in March 2025, where they publicly burned KP Oli’s effigy. The same energized youth now want Kulman Ghising as the interim leader.
Why Was Sushila Karki’s Name Dismissed?
In contrast, when it came to Sushila Karki, the former Chief Justice, youth said her nomination yesterday didn’t fit well with constitutional protocols, respecting the integrity of law and the judiciary. The constitution doesn’t allow judges and former judges for this post. Among popular preferences was Kathmandu’s Mayor Balen Shah, who showed no interest in assuming the interim leadership, hence sparking discussions around Engineer Kulman Ghising's candidacy.
In the ongoing talks about forming an interim government in Nepal, Gen-Z activists made it clear, 'We are neither for handing power to the army chief nor supporting foreign intervention. We want a mature individual capable of navigating the country during these uncertain times.' The army chief suggested Gen-Z leaders engage with the National Independent Party, National Democratic Party, and controversial businessman Durga Prasai, but on Discord, the youth opposed this, asserting Prasai has no connection with their movement. Prasai, after meeting with the army chief, mentioned, 'I'm not interested in leadership. My goal is a political solution, whether it’s Balen or Sushila, I have no objection.'
Source: aajtak
Gathering Opinions from 77 Districts
Gen-Z representatives decided to compile a unified document incorporating opinions from youth across 77 districts to present to the President and army chief. The Gen-Z movement lacks a single leader, operating instead under multiple group efforts, leading to internal disagreements. Regarding the divisive opinions among Gen-Z, two clear factions have emerged. One supports an active military role and a return to monarchy, while the other advocates for democratic youth leadership.
Some youth proposed measures such as establishing an anti-corruption agency, holding elections within 90 days, enforcing election funding limits, implementing strict expenditure caps, decentralization, and high standards for top positions. Mayor of Kathmandu Balen Shah expressed on social media, 'Nepal is at a historical threshold. Let us stay calm and not panic. The interim government's role is solely to conduct elections and usher in a new mandate.' Further, Shah requested President Paudel to dissolve the parliament and form an interim government.
