Cabinet Expansion Drama: Two Ministers Sworn In, Two Blocked
Cabinet Expansion Drama
26th October 2025, Kathmandu
A wave of speculation sweeps through the political corridors following the latest cabinet expansion drama.
Cabinet Expansion Drama
Two new ministers successfully took their oath of office. However, a pair of unexpected, last-minute changes blocked two other nominees from joining the government.
This partial approval of the Prime Minister’s list has immediately generated political questions about the inner workings of the decision-making process. The special ceremony took place at the President’s Office, Shital Niwas.
Prime Minister Sushila Karki had recommended four individuals for ministerial roles. President Ramchandra Paudel administered the oath to only two. Dr. Sudha Sharma officially became the Minister of Health and Population.
Simultaneously, Bablu Gupta took the oath as the new Minister of Youth and Sports. The process signaled a move toward filling key government roles, yet the ceremony’s incomplete nature proved the major talking point.
Two Appointments Blocked
The most striking part of the day was the sudden withdrawal of two recommended names. Khagendra Sunar was originally slated for the Labour Ministry. Ganpatilal Shrestha was on the list for the Land Reform Ministry.
Both nominations were reportedly withdrawn just before the swearing-in ceremony began. This unprecedented move highlights significant internal friction.
It suggests strong disagreements or emerging controversies surrounding the nominees. The government has not yet provided an official detailed explanation for the eleventh-hour retractions. This silence fuels widespread conjecture among the public and political analysts.
Prime Minister’s Recommendations Face Scrutiny
Prime Minister Karki’s authority in forming her cabinet now faces intense public scrutiny. The inability to fully execute her initial recommendations points to potential external pressures or vetting issues.
The swift removal of Sunar and Shrestha suggests the veto power came into effect at the highest level, demanding immediate compliance.
Analysts note that a complete cabinet expansion drama like this can signal political instability. It complicates the interim government’s mandate to maintain stability.
Moreover, it undermines confidence in the Prime Minister’s ability to navigate complex political appointments without interference. The incomplete nature of the ceremony at Shital Niwas visibly demonstrated this tension.
New Ministers Bring Diverse Experience
Despite the dramatic backdrop, the two successful appointees bring a mix of administrative and social experience. Dr. Sudha Sharma, with a background in health and population, assumes a vital role. Her expertise is critical for the nation’s public health policies and programs.
Bablu Gupta, appointed to the Ministry of Youth and Sports, steps directly into a portfolio focused on the younger generation. His inclusion is significant, given the recent youth-led movements demanding better governance.
His appointment is widely interpreted as a political maneuver to address the demands of the youth. His active involvement in social work gives him credibility with this crucial demographic.
Political Questions Linger
The prevailing political questions revolve around accountability and transparency. What specific factors led to the rejection of the two nominees? Was it a result of ethical breaches, legal complications, or political maneuvering? The public rightfully demands to understand the criteria used in the final selection process.
The incident underscores the delicate balance of power within the current political structure. It reveals that the Prime Minister’s recommendations do not guarantee appointments.
The process faces various checks and balances, some of which only surface at the final moment. This kind of last-minute changes can impact the smooth functioning of the government.
The interim government must address these issues quickly. It needs to clarify the process to restore public trust. The cabinet expansion drama has effectively overshadowed the positive momentum generated by the actual appointments.
The focus now shifts to how the Prime Minister will fill the remaining vacant ministerial portfolios. Future appointments must navigate these complex political dynamics.
For more: Cabinet Expansion Drama
