Kathmandu, The swearing-in of two ministerial nominees recommended by Prime Minister Sushila Karki — former Justice Anil Kumar Sinha and Additional Secretary Dr. Sangita Mishra — is now uncertain due to rising controversy. Among them, Dr. Mishra’s name was reportedly withdrawn earlier this morning.

Although the Prime Minister had initially sent four names for ministerial appointments, backlash and debate have led to preparations for also withdrawing Sinha’s name. PM Karki had recommended Dr. Mishra for the Ministry of Health and Population, and Sinha for the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Supplies.

However, growing questions over both individuals have increased the likelihood that neither will be sworn in. As it stands, only three ministers are expected to take the oath today: Mahabir Pun (Education), Madan Pariyar (Agriculture), and Jagadish Kharel (Information and Communication). The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for 2 PM at the President’s Office, Sheetal Niwas.

Dr. Sangita Mishra is known as a specialist in sexual and reproductive health and a gynecologist. She has previously led the Department of Health Services and Paropakar Maternity Hospital in Thapathali. She has served as an Additional Secretary for three years. Last year, when Dr. Bikash Devkota was promoted to Secretary, Mishra took leave in protest, claiming she had been unfairly overlooked. She resigned from her post after being lined up for a ministerial role.

Previously, other technocrats such as Rameshwar Khanal (Finance), Kulman Ghising (Urban Development, Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Physical Infrastructure and Transport), and Om Prakash Aryal (Home, Law, Justice, and Parliamentary Affairs) had already been appointed as ministers under the current government.

Dr. Mishra had publicly criticized then-Health Minister Pradeep Paudel and the government over her promotion being denied, claiming she was senior to Devkota. She had been on extended leave since, and it has also come to light that a complaint was filed against her at the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA), alleging corruption.

Similarly, concerns have been raised over Anil Kumar Sinha regarding Article 132(2) of the Constitution, which may legally bar him from holding a ministerial post.

This government, formed after the fall of the Congress-UML coalition through the “GenZ movement,” is now led by interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki. The government’s composition is unique, as it aims to include individuals from outside traditional political parties. The GenZ-led leadership is actively seeking a cabinet free from partisan affiliations.

Prime Minister Karki has been given a six-month mandate to lead the interim government and is constitutionally required to hold elections within this timeframe.