KATHMANDU, Jan 7: Energy Minister Kulman Ghising is reportedly preparing to resign from his ministerial post amid mounting pressure. During Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Sushila Karki suggested that ministers actively involved in party politics should step down—a remark widely seen as being primarily directed at Ghising.
Ghising, who earlier founded the Ujyalo Nepal Party under his own leadership and later reached an agreement to become senior vice-chair of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), has remained largely engaged in party politics. As criticism grew that ministers were openly involved in partisan activities despite claims of a non-partisan government, Prime Minister Karki advised those concerned to resign.
Besides Ghising, Communication Minister Jagdish Kharel and Youth and Sports Minister Bablu Gupta—both reportedly interested in contesting elections—have also faced pressure to step down. However, speaking to Nagarik Frontline on Tuesday, Minister Kharel denied receiving any such pressure from the Prime Minister.
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Meanwhile, during a press conference later Tuesday evening, Ghising indicated that he had no intention of resigning, stating that he was “not a member of any political party so far.” That statement, however, triggered a backlash against him on social media.
With criticism intensifying—from the Prime Minister, the media, and on social platforms—sources say Ghising has now come to the mood of resigning as early as Wednesday.
“It is true that he has been asking for advice, saying he may have to resign today itself,” said a leader close to the Ujyalo Party. “But we are advising him not to rush and to make a decision only after sufficient discussion within the party.”
According to party insiders, Ghising has not yet taken formal membership of any party. While there is an agreement for unity with the RSP, the official integration process has not been completed. In that context, questions are being raised within the party about why he should resign at this stage.
“Our integration list to the RSP has not even been submitted yet. There is discussion that resignation can be considered after that process moves forward,” a Ujyalo Party source said, adding, “Still, the final decision will depend on what he himself decides.”
