PM Modi congratulates Sushila Karki from Manipur, calls her an example of women empowerment

New Delhi: Normalcy is being restored in Nepal after violent protests, where a new regime has begun. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday congratulated the interim Prime Minister of India’s neighboring country, Sushila Karki. He said that Karki’s taking over the top post is an excellent example of women’s empowerment. Also, the PM wished a bright future for the Nepali youth. PM Modi’s statement came during his visit to Manipur, where he visited violence-affected areas.

Former Chief Justice of Nepal Sushila Karki was officially taken over as interim Prime Minister after taking oath on Friday night. Her appointment came four days after the resignation of her predecessor K.P. Sharma Oli. Oli was forced to resign due to nationwide public anger against his government. Sushila Karki is the first woman Prime Minister of Nepal.

Addressing a public meeting in Imphal, the capital of Manipur, PM Modi said, ‘Nepal is a friend of India, a close friend. Today, on behalf of 140 crore Indians, I heartily congratulate Sushila Karki on taking over as the Prime Minister of the interim government of Nepal. Her swearing in as the first woman Prime Minister of Nepal is a great example of women empowerment.’ Expressing confidence in the leadership of Sushila Karki, PM Modi said that she will pave the way for peace, stability and prosperity in Nepal.

He praised the youth of Nepal, who kept democratic values ​​paramount even in a volatile environment. PM Modi said, ‘Their positive thinking and work are not only inspiring but also a clear sign of Nepal’s new rise. I wish Nepal all the best for its bright future.’ Earlier this week, Nepal witnessed the most violent protests in recent years, when Gen-Z protesters took to the streets across the country demanding the resignation of the Oli government. The peaceful protests that started against widespread corruption and social media ban gradually turned violent. The protesters set fire to the Prime Minister’s residence, Rashtrapati Bhavan, Supreme Court and other major government buildings. The private houses of the current and former prime ministers and ministers were also set on fire by the furious mob.

However, a day after Sushila Karki’s swearing-in, curfew was lifted from most areas of Nepal on Saturday. Shops opened and people returned to their normal routine. Sushila Karki (73) is an alumnus of Banaras Hindu University (BHU). She had taken a tough stand against corruption during her tenure as Chief Justice, due to which she is popular among the youth. After taking oath as interim Prime Minister, Sushila Karki said that her first task would be to restore order in Nepal after the violence. The interim government has been directed to hold national elections by March 2026.