In a surprising turn of events in Nepal’s political landscape, Energy Minister Kulman Ghising has stepped down from his cabinet position after just 115 days in office. The resignation, submitted to Prime Minister Sushila Karki on Wednesday, comes amid mounting pressure on ministers linked to political parties to vacate their posts in the interim government.
Ghising, who held portfolios in Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Physical Infrastructure and Transport, and Urban Development, was appointed on September 15 last year. His departure highlights tensions within the fragile interim administration formed in the wake of the Gen-Z movement in early September.
Speculation is rife that Ghising played a key role in forming the Ujyalo Nepal Party, which merged with the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) on December 29. Under the merger agreement, he is expected to take up the role of RSP’s senior vice-chairman. The RSP was the fourth-largest party in the dissolved House of Representatives.
Sources indicate Ghising may contest the upcoming parliamentary elections slated for March 5. His move has sparked debates about the neutrality of the interim government, widely seen as apolitical and free from partisan baggage.
During a press conference post-resignation, Ghising denied formal membership in any party, stating the merger deal with Ujyalo Nepal and RSP is not yet official. He pointed out historical precedents where interim leaders participated in elections while in office.
Ghising rose to national fame as the managing director of Nepal Electricity Authority, where he successfully ended 18-hour load-shedding crises, earning him a spot among the country’s most popular figures.
The RSP, led by former media personality Rabi Lamichhane—recently released from jail on fraud charges—has been bolstering its ranks with popular independents like Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah and now Ghising.
In his tenure, Ghising canceled hundreds of contracts with delinquent construction firms stalling key projects. He pushed reforms in energy, water, irrigation, and infrastructure to uplift living standards.
Prime Minister Karki praised Ghising’s ‘competent’ leadership over three-and-a-half months in three crucial ministries, expressing gratitude for his contributions.