Lawmakers on Karki’s NA address: No concrete announcements

KATHMANDU: Members of the National Assembly have expressed mixed reactions to Prime Minister Sushila Karki’s recent address to the House.

Lawmakers noted that while the speech outlined the challenges of her short tenure and the management of elections, it lacked any concrete policy announcements.

National Assembly member Rajendralaxmi Gaire said the Prime Minister highlighted the pressures she faced from the “Gen Z” faction, adding that other ministers were similarly influenced. “She said she came under Gen Z pressure, and other ministers did too. While she spoke about controlling corruption and electoral matters, there was nothing new or substantial in her address,” Gaire said.

Lawmaker Bishnukumari Sapkota felt that PM Karki shared her personal struggles during a crisis period. “I sensed that the Prime Minister expressed the difficulties she faced during this critical time. Given her short tenure, she led a cabinet primarily focused on conducting elections, and in that regard, she has been somewhat successful,” Sapkota said.

Bishnudevi Pudasaini said the speech offered energy to the House but raised concerns over how the exit of ministers was addressed.

“Her address did give us a sense of energy. However, the departure of ministers was presented in a very matter-of-fact way. Ministers leaving quickly during election preparations did have some impact, yet she downplayed it,” Pudasaini noted.

The responses reflect the National Assembly members’ mixed views on PM Karki’s brief tenure, election management, and internal political pressures.

While no new decisions or announcements emerged from the address, lawmakers acknowledged her efforts to ensure smooth electoral processes.