TNR News Network
New Delhi:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (September 13, 2025) congratulated Sushila Karki on becoming Nepal’s first woman interim Prime Minister, calling it a historic moment for the Himalayan nation. In his message on social media platform X, PM Modi extended his heartfelt wishes and reiterated India’s commitment to Nepal’s peace, prosperity and progress.
What makes this political milestone even more special is Sushila Karki’s strong connection with Varanasi — Prime Minister Modi’s parliamentary constituency.
Sushila Karki, now at the helm of Nepal’s transitional government, completed her postgraduation in political science from Banaras Hindu University (BHU) in Varanasi in 1975, topping her class. Her years in Varanasi, marked by academic excellence and a quiet immersion in books, have become a celebrated part of her journey from a student to Nepal’s first woman Chief Justice and now, its interim Prime Minister.
Varanasi scholar who topped her class
Sushila Karki’s academic journey began in earnest in the sacred city of Varanasi, where she enrolled at BHU for her master’s degree in political science. Graduating in 1975, she was not just a student but the top performer in her batch.
Sushila Karki was learnt to be known for her unwavering focus. “She had no involvement in campus politics. Her life was a cycle between hostel, department and library. She was always immersed in her studies,” an old batch-mate said.
In a recent media interview, Sushila Karki herself reflected on her time in Varanasi with nostalgia. She remembered her professors, her friends and most fondly, the serene Ganga river. Her hostel was located along the riverside and during hot summers, she and her peers would sleep on the rooftop under the open sky. “Varanasi was not just a place of education for me, but an experience of culture, spirituality and learning,” she said.
From lawyer to Nepal’s first woman Chief Justice
After completing her education in India, Sushila Karki returned to Nepal and began practising law in Biratnagar in 1979. Her legal career steadily advanced and in 2009, she was appointed a judge in Nepal’s Supreme Court. On July 11, 2016, she made history by becoming the first woman Chief Justice of Nepal, a position she held until June 6, 2017.
Known for her integrity and uncompromising stance against corruption, Sushila Karki became a symbol of judicial reform. Her tenure, however, was not without controversy. A motion of impeachment was brought against her in 2017 on charges of bias and interfering with the executive branch. But facing intense public outcry and a Supreme Court interim order, the motion was eventually withdrawn.
Now, in a dramatic turn of events following a political crisis and the collapse of the KP Sharma Oli government, 73-year-old Karki has been sworn in as the interim Prime Minister. She has been tasked with leading Nepal to general elections, scheduled for March 5, 2026.
Challenges ahead for Sushila Karki’s leadership
While her appointment has been hailed as a step towards stability, Sushila Karki faces immense challenges. She must steer the country through a turbulent political transition, ensure law and order following weeks of protests and uphold the promise of transparent governance. One of her first decisions as Prime Minister was to dissolve the lower house of Parliament and announce fresh elections.
Sushila Karki has made it clear that her administration will prioritise corruption-free governance. Reports suggest that she agreed to lead the interim government only after receiving assurance that she would have full authority to investigate corruption at all levels, including cases involving high-ranking officials.
Her interim cabinet, expected to be announced soon, may include well-known reformists such as Kulman Ghising, former CEO of the Nepal Electricity Authority; Balendra Shah ‘Balen’, the popular Mayor of Kathmandu; and former Education Minister Sumana Shrestha. Sushila Karki has stated that she will not bar her cabinet members from contesting the upcoming elections.
