Kathmandu — As Prime Minister Sushila Karki moves ahead with expanding her cabinet, the Baluwatar Secretariat has been flooded with phone calls and messages from people lobbying for ministerial positions.
On Monday morning, President Ram Chandra Paudel swore in three new ministers. Former secretary Rameshwar Khanal became Finance Minister, former electricity authority chief Kulman Ghising was appointed Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Physical Infrastructure and Transport, and Urban Development, while senior advocate Om Prakash Aryal took office as Minister for Home, Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs.
Growing Pressure on Secretariat
The Karki-led government is preparing an 11-member cabinet. So far, four members including the Prime Minister have been appointed, with seven positions still open. In the meantime, the Secretariat has received dozens of calls and messages from people asking to be made ministers.
According to sources, messages such as “I must be appointed minister” have poured in. Some have even reached out to Prime Minister Karki’s husband, Durga Subedi. Officials, however, say neither the Prime Minister nor the Secretariat has given attention to these requests.
Selection Based on Expertise
The Secretariat has made clear that cabinet expansion will be based on expertise and suitability, not personal lobbying or political influence. It has been searching for candidates considered appropriate for the remaining portfolios.
Earlier, Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City Mayor Harka Sampang visited Baluwatar seeking the Home Minister post, while former IGP Sarbendra Khanal also made contact with the Secretariat.
