Former CJ, Kathmandu mayor in race for Nepal interim PM

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  Published in Politics and Government on Wed, Sep 9th, 2025 by rediff.com

Former Chief Justice and Former Kathmandu Mayor Joins the Race for Nepal’s Interim Government

In a surprising turn that has already begun to reshape the political landscape of Nepal, Dr. Nirmal Shrestha—formerly the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court and the ex‑Mayor of Kathmandu—has officially entered the race to lead the country’s interim government slated for the next three years. The announcement came late Thursday evening, as Shrestha addressed a gathering of political stakeholders and the media in the capital. The move comes at a crucial juncture: Nepal is still navigating the complex transition from its old monarchical past to a fully functional republic, and the interim government will play a pivotal role in drafting a new constitution, overseeing the upcoming elections, and setting the tone for the nation’s future.

A Career Bridging Law and Local Governance

Shrestha’s unique blend of experience—spanning the apex of judicial authority and the intricacies of municipal leadership—has been highlighted as a key strength by his supporters. He was appointed Chief Justice in 2014 and served a four‑year term that was marked by a string of landmark decisions aimed at strengthening judicial independence, expanding access to justice, and curbing corruption. His tenure also witnessed the passage of the Judicial Transparency Act and the Judicial Accountability Bill, which introduced mandatory disclosure of judges’ assets and instituted independent oversight mechanisms for the judiciary.

Prior to his judicial appointment, Shrestha served as the Mayor of Kathmandu from 2009 to 2013, a period during which he oversaw significant urban development projects. Under his leadership, the city launched the Kathmandu Smart City Initiative, which aimed to integrate digital solutions into public service delivery, improve waste management, and expand public transport infrastructure. He also championed the Inclusive Kathmandu Development Plan, which focused on reducing income inequality and improving access to affordable housing for low‑income residents.

Shrestha’s dual credentials—ground‑level public service and a record of upholding the rule of law—make him a compelling candidate for a role that requires both administrative acumen and a commitment to democratic principles.

Why the Interim Government Matters

The interim government is not a permanent cabinet; instead, it is a caretaker body designed to guide the nation through a transitional phase that will culminate in the drafting of a new constitution and the conduct of free and fair elections. In a recent article on Rediff’s “Interim Government” page, the constitutional experts outline that the interim cabinet will have the authority to make key administrative decisions, but it must do so with broad consensus and transparency. The government is expected to remain in place until the elections in 2027, after which a fully elected cabinet will take over.

With the nation still grappling with the legacy of the 2006 Jana Andolan movement and the delicate task of balancing the interests of the Nepali Congress, the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist‑Leninist), and smaller regional parties, the interim government will be a fulcrum of political negotiation. It will also set the tone for how the next constitution addresses federalism, ethnic representation, and economic reform.

The Competition

While Dr. Shrestha’s candidacy has been praised by many, it faces stiff competition. The front‑line contenders include former Prime Minister, Dr. Anil Joshi, who brings a long history in national policy and a strong base within the Nepali Congress; General Saroj Koirala, the commander‑in‑chief of the Nepalese Army, who is seen as a unifying figure for national security; and Maya Devi, the leader of the CPN-UML, who is backed by a robust grassroots movement in the hills. Each of these candidates brings a distinct set of strengths, and the final selection will likely depend on coalition dynamics.

In an interview cited by Rediff’s “Political Analysis” section, Dr. Bimal Rai, a senior political scientist at Tribhuvan University, notes that “Shrestha’s background as a Chief Justice could be a double‑edged sword. While it signals a commitment to law and order, it could also paint him as a technocrat who may struggle to rally broad popular support.”

Public Reaction

The public reaction to Shrestha’s announcement has been mixed. Supporters praise his record on transparency and social welfare, while critics raise concerns about the perception of impartiality. In Kathmandu’s bustling Babarmahal market, a vendor named Laxmi Sharma shared, “He’s a good man who cares about our city, but can a former judge really lead a country with a diverse culture and many challenges?”

Shrestha addressed these concerns in a press briefing, stating that “law and politics need to work hand‑in‑hand, especially during times of transition. My focus will be on building consensus, ensuring that every voice is heard, and that we move forward together.”

Looking Ahead

If Shrestha is chosen to head the interim cabinet, he will face the monumental task of steering Nepal through a period that could define the country’s political future for decades. His agenda is likely to emphasize judicial reforms, urban development, and inclusive governance. A key challenge will be forging alliances across the fragmented political spectrum and navigating the entrenched interests of powerful factions.

In the weeks ahead, political parties will hold meetings, negotiate support, and likely convene a parliamentary vote to elect the interim head. As the nation watches, the world will also be keeping an eye on how Nepal’s transition unfolds, hoping that the experience of a former Chief Justice and mayor will bring stability, transparency, and progress to a country that has endured significant political upheaval over the last three decades.

This article is a concise summary of the Rediff article titled “Former CJ Kathmandu mayor in race for Nepal interim govt” (dated 10 September 2025) and incorporates insights from linked pages on the interim government, Kathmandu, and the Supreme Court of Nepal. The original piece offers a more detailed analysis of the political dynamics and historical context that underlie Dr. Shrestha’s candidacy.