Nepal updates: House dissolved, elections in March 2026; PM Modi congratulates Interim PM

Nepal’s former Chief Justice Sushila Karki took oath as the interim Prime Minister of the country on Friday night, ending days of political deadlock following the resignation of K P Sharma Oli amid violent protests over a social media ban.

At 73, Karki becomes the nation’s first woman head of government. President Ramchandra Paudel administered the oath of office and secrecy under Article 80 of the Constitution.

Following her appointment, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Karki on Saturday, posting on X:

"I extend my best wishes to Right Hon. Mrs. Sushila Karki on assuming office as the Prime Minister of the Interim Government of Nepal. India remains firmly committed to the peace, progress, and prosperity of the people of Nepal."

Here are the top developments 

• Parliament dissolved, elections announced: Nepal’s President Ramchandra Paudel dissolved the House of Representatives at Karki’s recommendation. Fresh elections are scheduled for March 21, 2026. The dissolution took effect from 11 pm on September 12, as per the President’s Office.

• Kathmandu streets gradually return to normalcy as former Chief Justice Sushila Karki is sworn in as Nepal’s interim Prime Minister.

• Casualties from unrest: Nearly three days of violent protests in Nepal resulted in the deaths of 51 people and left a large number injured, before relative peace returned with Sushila Karki’s swearing-in.

• India welcomes interim government: The MEA welcomed the formation of Nepal’s interim government led by Sushila Karki, expressing hope that it will foster peace and stability, and reaffirmed India’s commitment to work closely with Nepal for the well-being and prosperity of both nations.

• Public expectations: Citizens are calling for corruption-free leadership and development under the interim government. Locals expressed hope for good governance and a new era of progress, ahead of general elections in March next year.

• Transport disruptions: The Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) has suspended its Delhi-Kathmandu bus service due to ongoing unrest. Both buses operating the route are currently stuck in Nepal.

• Economic impact: Nepal’s hospitality sector suffered losses exceeding Rs 25 billion after nearly two dozen hotels were vandalised, looted, or set ablaze during student-led anti-government protests.

• Social media in protests: The protests, led largely by Gen Z demonstrators in their 20s, were triggered by anger over the flashy lifestyles of elites and the temporary ban on Facebook, YouTube, and other platforms.

Protests escalated after at least 19 protesters were killed in a police crackdown. Activists are now using platforms like Discord to coordinate and debate the next steps, including supporting Sushila Karki as interim leader.