KATHMANDU: The much-anticipated political collaboration between Energy Minister Kulman Ghising, Kathmandu Mayor Balendra Shah, former Rastriya Swatantra Party lawmaker Sumana Shrestha, and Gen-Z campaigner Sudan Gurung has fractured, with three of the leaders now preparing to form a separate party.
After weeks of internal disagreement over leadership, the party’s name, and strategic direction, the alliance has effectively dissolved. According to sources, Shrestha, Shah, and Gurung have decided to move ahead independently after failing to reach a consensus with Ghising’s faction, which plans to register Ujyalo Nepal Dal today (Tuesday).
The trio will also apply for party registration with the Election Commission on the same day, marking a clear political split. “For now, our unity with Kulman Ghising has ended, though we don’t rule out cooperation in the future,” said a source close to Gurung, noting that Ghising was unwilling to compromise on key matters.
The new party is expected to prioritize youth and inclusion, with plans to appoint individuals injured in the Gen-Z protests or members of martyrs’ families to leadership roles. Discussions are ongoing over possible names, including ‘Pragatisheel Samuha’ and ‘Nawa Pusta Samuha’, as well as potential election symbols such as the ‘baton’ (lathi).
According to insiders, several young public figures and artists associated with the Gen-Z movement—such as Nischal Basnet, Rima Bishwakarma, and Richa Sharma—are likely to support the new party. Gen-Z Koshi Province coordinator Uparjung Rai, who declined to join Ghising’s camp, is also reportedly part of the new formation.
Final talks among the three leaders are underway, with an official announcement expected soon.
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