Nepal turmoil: Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah backs former CJ Sushila Karki to lead interim govt

Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah backs Gen Z's call for an interim government, urges patience and responsible leadership as Nepal faces political uncertainty.

Following the resignation of Nepal’s Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli after mass protests, Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, popularly known as Balen, has backed the name of former Chief Justice Sushila Karki to lead the interim government. "I fully support your proposal of former Chief Justice Sushila Karki to lead this interim/electoral government," said Balen, who has emerged quite popular among the Nepal youth, many of whom projected the mayor as a potential prime ministerial candidate.

He has urged the youth and all Nepalis to remain calm amid the current political crisis in Nepal.

The Kathmandu Mayor, in a social media post highlighted that the country is at a critical turning point, and that the young people are playing a key role in shaping a better future. He urged everyone to be patient and avoid panic as the process of establishing an interim government begins, which will oversee upcoming elections.

He commended the Gen Z movement for showing unity, wisdom, and maturity in their approach.

"This reflects your deep understanding and responsible attitudes," he wrote, advising young activists not to rush into leadership roles but continue focusing on the country's long-term development. "What I want to say to my friends who are rushing to take over the leadership right now is that the country needs your passion, your thinking, your honesty permanently, not temporarily. There will be elections for that. Please don't rush," added Balen.

He also cautioned political leaders who are eager to seize power prematurely, stating the nation requires their commitment and integrity on a permanent basis, not just for a short period. Shah appealed to the President to form the interim government and dissolve parliament without further revolution driven by the youth.

The protests, largely driven by Gen Z activists, escalated when the government imposed a ban on 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X. Tensions reached a tragic peak on Monday, as police crackdowns resulted in the deaths of at least 19 people and left hundreds injured across the country.