KATHMANDU, Oct 11: Questions have been raised against Tashi Lhazom, who is reportedly being considered for appointment as Minister for Women, Children and Senior Citizens in the upcoming cabinet expansion.
As her name surfaced on the list of potential ministers representing Karnali Province, the Gen Z leaders from the Karnali movement — Gen Z Karnali — issued a statement urging the government to verify her background before making any appointment.
Supriya Shahi, the Karnali coordinator of the Gen Z group, in the statement questioned Lhazom’s Nepali citizenship status and her alleged involvement in the ‘Free Tibet’ campaign. The group also requested the government to take Nepal-China relations into consideration in such matters and to clarify if there was any foreign involvement.
Karnali voices defend Tashi Lhazom amid identity controversy
Gen Z members in Karnali said they had held several rounds of discussions to select potential representatives from the province, but Lhazom’s name had never been proposed.
“The Gen Z movement was never about making anyone a leader. It was solely a fight for change, justice, transparency and good governance,” the statement read. It further added, “The government should not make any decision regarding Karnali’s representation without discussion and consultation with Gen Z members from the province.”
Former lawmaker of the dissolved House of Representatives Gyanendra Shahi also alleged foreign interference, claiming that the US Embassy is lobbying for Lhazom’s appointment.
