Nepal Interim PM Adds Popular Youth Figures to Cabinet

Nepal Interim PM Adds Popular Youth Figures to Cabinet

Nepal’s Interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki expanded her cabinet on Sunday, inducting two ministers widely seen as popular among young people. The cabinet follows a youth-led uprising last month that toppled the previous government.

The protests on 8–9 September, initially triggered by a brief social media ban, reflected long-standing frustration over economic hardship and corruption. Violence during the unrest killed at least 73 people and left parliament, courts, and government buildings damaged.

President Ram Chandra Paudel administered the oath of office to the new ministers: Bablu Gupta as Youth and Sports Minister, and Sudha Sharma as Minister of Health and Population.

Gupta, 28, is known for his work with the volunteer organisation 100’s Group, which supports underprivileged communities through food drives and education programmes.

Sharma, a doctor and author, has been a leading figure in maternal and child health policy. Both were vocal supporters of the youth-led protests.

Karki’s press coordinator Ram Rawal said the interim prime minister recommended two additional names for the 10-member cabinet, but their appointments are on hold pending consultations. A source at the president’s office confirmed the cabinet expansion is still ongoing as talks continue with youth representatives.

The 73-year-old former chief justice assumed office following the protests to guide the Himalayan nation until elections scheduled for 5 March. She has pledged to restore order and promote clean governance in the country of 30 million.