KATHMANDU, Oct 12: Local political leaders and civil society members in Karnali Province have called on the public not to doubt the identity of Tashi Lhazom, who is being considered for a ministerial position in the cabinet led by Sushila Karki.
Former Karnali Chief Minister Jiwan Bahadur Shahi on Saturday clarified that Lhazom is a permanent resident of Limmi Halji village in Humla district.
“She [Tashi Lhazom] is a patriot, the granddaughter of local merchant Kutu Tamang from Limmi Halji. Her grandfather owned around 150 to 200 yaks and about 1,200 sheep and goats. Her family’s settlement in Humla is as old as ours. Even today, her father continues to live in the village,” Shahi wrote on Facebook, responding to growing speculation over her background.
Questions raised over Tashi Lhazom as PM Karki mulls possible m...
Several civil society members from Karnali also voiced their support for Tashi's potential appointment.
Earlier, concerns were raised about Lhazom’s eligibility as she is reportedly being considered for appointment as Minister for Women, Children and Senior Citizens in the upcoming cabinet expansion.
After her name surfaced on the list of potential ministers from Karnali Province, the Gen Z Karnali movement issued a statement urging the government to verify her background before making any appointment.
Supriya Shahi, Karnali coordinator of the Gen Z group, questioned Lhazom’s citizenship status and alleged involvement in the “Free Tibet” campaign. The statement also urged the government to take Nepal’s relations with China into account and clarify any possible foreign connections.
Gen Z leaders in Karnali said Lhazom’s name had not been discussed in their internal consultations to select potential representatives from the province.
“The Gen Z movement was never about making anyone a leader. It was a fight for change, justice, transparency, and good governance,” the statement said. It further warned, “The government should not make any decision regarding Karnali’s representation without consulting Gen Z members from the province.”
Former lawmaker and Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) Spokesperson Gyanendra Shahi had alleged foreign interference in the process, claiming that the US Embassy was lobbying for Lhazom’s appointment.
