Nomination of Shrestha as NTNC chair and Home Minister Aryal in National Assembly draws flak
KATHMANDU, MARCH 16
After garnering widespread appreciation for successfully concluding the House of Representatives election on March 5, Prime Minister Sushila Karki has now invited criticism from all corners for her surprise appointment of Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal in the National Assembly (NA) and her personal secretary Adarsha Kumar Shrestha as chairperson of the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC).
While the Rastriya Swatantra Party's new government is set to take office in a few days with a clear majority, PM Karki nominated Shrestha and Aryal yesterday (March 15) in the NTNC and National Assembly, respectively. Political party leaders and Gen Z activists, who proposed Karki as interim prime minister after the Gen Z movement which ousted the KP Oli-led government on September 9, have all blasted her.
Rakshya Bam, a Gen Z leader, told THT that the prime minister did something that defeated the entire purpose of the protests on September 8 and 9. "My Gen Z friends risked their lives and were shot in the chest and head while shouting slogans for good governance and against nepotism and cronyism. Their sacrifice was not for the prime minister or ministers to distribute chairs in councils, departments or committees as a farewell gift to their constituents."
She also stated that the individuals who have been recommended, such as Shrestha, do not deserve to lead the NTNC because he lacks the necessary expertise.
Former education ministers Mahabir Pun and Sumana Shrestha were among those who have questioned the appointments PM Karki made prior to handing over the power. "Brother Adarsh, don't take that position to tarnish the prime minister's reputation. Please do not tarnish the prime minister's historical honour with such petty greed," wrote Pun, who was elected as an independent candidate, on social media.
Similarly, former education minister Sumana satirised the appointment, saying, "When others do it, it's nepotism, favouritism and 'Nepobaby'. When one does it themselves, it's appreciation for their contribution." Another prominent Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) member and Gen Z activist, Pradeep Gyawali, also questioned the chief personal secretary's appointment.
He posted on social media, "The voice we raised on the streets was not just for a change in power; it was to change the culture of exercising power. Therefore, our question today is the same - should politics be run on the basis of ideals or on the basis of charity?"
"We have hoped that the error in yesterday's decision will be fixed as we move forward," Sagar Dhakal, an RSP leader and recently elected MP, posted on Facebook. "Can a responsible body of the country like the NTNC be entrusted with somebody who has neither the expertise nor the experience, only the qualifications of being the prime minister's personal secretary?"
The prime minister is the NTNC's patron and has the power to choose its chairperson under the National Trust for Nature Conservation Act, 1982. Shrestha has a bachelor's degree in law and a master's degree in sociology.
Purushotam Yadav, another Gen Z leader, wrote: "The report of the probe commission led by former justice Gauri Bahadur Karki to investigate the September 8-9 incidents was supposed to be publicised today. The report, however, has not been released. What is the politics behind (yesterday's) appointments? Why did you tarnish your reputation at the last minute, as you were leaving Singha Durbar on the red carpet of success distinguished prime minister?"
Tanuja Pandey, a Gen Z representative, also described the decision as a mockery of the sacrifices made by the martyrs. She said, ironically people who claim to be rising above 'cronyism' frequently exhibit it.
"Stop engaging in disgusting politics," Pandey wrote. "History never forgives traitors who turn the people's hope, pain and sacrifice into a game of self-interest."
In the past, Shrestha was involved in controversy over his wife Sangeeta Shrestha's appointment to the prime minister's secretariat on September 18. After the outcry, PM Karki finally removed Sangeeta. After voicing their concerns to the prime minister, Gen Z leaders Pradip Gyawali and Aakriti Ghimire were also dismissed. Pandey recalled that incident, saying, "Not too long ago, Adarsha, the prime minister's personal secretary, attempted to elevate his wife to the position of personal secretary on par with joint secretary, especially when youth movements and 'new political culture' were being discussed. Now, he is eventually suggested for a position at the NTNC. How does this make any sense?"
