Nepal’s President Ram Chandra Poudel on Monday administered the oath of office to 3 newly appointed ministers in the interim Cabinet led by Prime Minister Sushila Karki.
The ceremony took place 2 days after Ms. Karki formed her Cabinet with Finance Minister Rameshore Khanal, Energy Minister Kulman Ghising, and Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal.
This interim government, formed amidst nationwide protests and political instability, has been tasked with preparing for parliamentary elections scheduled for March 5, 2026.
Rameshore Khanal: From Finance Secretary to Finance Minister
Rameshore Khanal, 55, who previously served as Nepal’s Finance Secretary, has been entrusted with reforming the nation’s troubled economy. Known for his integrity and dedication to structural reforms, Mr. Khanal submitted a comprehensive 400-page report on economic reforms to the former Oli administration.
His career includes leadership roles on the boards of major state institutions such as Nepal Rastra Bank, Nepal Electricity Authority, Agricultural Development Bank, Nepal Telecom, and Nepal Airlines.
In 2011, he resigned abruptly from his post as Finance Secretary, citing political interference from business interests trying to obstruct investigations into a fake VAT bill scam. At the time, Prime Minister Jhala Nath Khanal and Finance Minister Bharat Mohan Adhikari were in power.
He later explained that being excluded from critical budget discussions signaled a lack of confidence in his role. His principled stand, particularly in a bureaucracy often perceived as compromised, earned him widespread respect.
Kulman Ghising: The ‘Power Saviour’ of Nepal
Kulman Ghising, 54, is celebrated for ending Nepal’s persistent electricity shortages. As Executive Director of the Nepal Electricity Authority, he brought relief to citizens who endured up to 18 hours of daily power cuts. Under his leadership, Nepal experienced 24-hour electricity supply for the first time in years—a feat hailed by many as miraculous.
Despite this success, Mr. Ghising’s sudden dismissal earlier this year by the Oli administration triggered public outrage. Critics argued that vested interests sought to reverse his reforms and return to corruption-ridden management.
Since his removal, he has engaged with citizens—including migrant workers abroad—to understand their challenges, fuelling speculation about his political aspirations. Though some suggested improved weather and imports from India contributed to the resolution of power shortages, most Nepalis credited Mr. Ghising’s management.
Om Prakash Aryal, 49, is a Supreme Court advocate renowned for fighting corruption through high-profile public interest litigations. A trusted ally of PM Karki, Mr. Aryal played a pivotal role in facilitating dialogue between the Prime Minister and President Poudel during political deadlock.
He has previously served as legal adviser to Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, supported youth protests, and challenged unconstitutional actions by past governments. His petitions against the dual roles of former interim leaders and corrupt officials have shaped Nepal’s legal landscape.
Mr. Aryal’s fearless stance on accountability has made him a formidable figure in Nepal’s fight against corruption.
A Government Born From Protest
Following mass protests that left 72 people dead, Ms. Sushila Karki—Nepal’s first female Prime Minister—assumed office with a mandate to usher in reforms. She stated, “The youths of Nepal are demanding an end to corruption, good governance, and economic equality.” She further clarified that she had not sought power, but was entrusted with leadership by the people’s movement.
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