Defining Nepali Identity
The recent GenZ protests and the formation of a new Council of Ministers have sparked discussions about what it means to be Nepali.
As Prime Minister Sushila Karki selected her ministers, youth collectives emphasized the importance of diversity, urging her to include women, youth, and individuals from various ethnic and socio-cultural backgrounds.
Sangeeta Mishra, a bureaucrat and public health expert, was initially appointed as Health Minister, but her nomination was withdrawn after a video surfaced in which she referred to herself as
"Nepali, but a native Indian", highlighting her naturalized Nepali citizenship.
The backlash from ultra-nationalistic groups led to an investigation by the CIAA, and Mishra's name was ultimately removed from the list of ministers.
As Prime Minister Karki's Cabinet remains incomplete, she is now considering inducting GenZ members as ministers.
Author's summary: Nepali identity sparks debate amidst minister selection.