KATHMANDU: Energy Minister Kulman Ghising is facing growing pressure to step down from the interim government and take full leadership of the Ujyalo Nepal Party, which he recently registered with former Energy Secretary Anup Upadhyay listed as its President.
Ghising, who has formed a 51-member central committee mostly comprising doctors, engineers, and subject experts, is preparing to expand the committee further in a second phase. However, party members argue that public confusion surrounding the party’s true leadership can only be resolved if Ghising openly takes charge.
Several members have urged Ghising to resign immediately and begin party-building work. “We have asked the minister to leave the government and formally head the party so that the public is not confused about whose party this is,” a central member said.
According to party insiders, Ghising has responded positively to the suggestion. “He may resign by mid-December. If agreement cannot be reached with the Prime Minister, he is prepared to resign before the election and appear publicly under the party,” one committee member said. Even if he does not step down by mid-December, Ghising is expected to become visibly active in the party.
Balen, Sagar Dhakal, and other figures in contact
Individuals close to Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balendra Shah are also in touch with Ghising, according to those familiar with the matter. Although Balen has not appeared publicly with the party, his representatives have joined and more may follow.
Similarly, Sagar Dhakal—who gained national attention running against Sher Bahadur Deuba in Dadeldhura in 2079 BS—is in ongoing discussions with Ghising. Sources say Dhakal is likely to join once Ghising openly assumes party leadership. Dhakal told Khabarhub he is exploring various alternative platforms but has not yet made a final decision.
Some leaders from the Civil Liberation Party are also preparing to align with Ghising amid rising identity-based political discourse nationwide.
RSP leaders waiting for Ghising’s move
Dr. Bharatmani Devkota, who recently left the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), is also in talks with Ghising, along with several other RSP figures. Devkota—whose home in Banasthali has been serving as the RSP’s central office—resigned citing disputes over unpaid rent and dissatisfaction within the party.
He reportedly wants Ghising to resign from the ministry and lead Ujjaya Nepal Party. Other RSP leaders, including central committee member Ganesh Karki and former MP Dr. Toshima Karki, are also in contact with Ghising.
Meanwhile, in Saturday’s meeting in Boudha, most central members once again pressed Ghising to step down and take charge. “Bharatmani has brought several RSP-linked leaders into discussions. They all believe Minister Kulman should resign and assume party leadership,” a central member of Ujyalo Nepal Party said.
Ghising is expected to make a final decision after discussions with the Prime Minister. The central committee member said that Dr. Bharatmani Devkota also believes the party must visibly represent the voice of citizens.
“He has said that once Kulman takes charge, he and his team will also join,” the leader noted. “We have suggested that the party should endorse Devkota’s demands and consolidate leadership during Saturday’s Baudha meeting.”
According to Devkota, a large segment of civil society—himself included—is waiting for Ghising to step forward and assume the party’s leadership. “There is no point delaying; the elections are near. You must take responsibility for the party,” a central member quoted Devkota as saying.
“It is my role to bring in the dissatisfied faction of the Rastriya Swatantra Party. But Devkota insists that Kulman must come forward visibly.”
Meanwhile, RSP lawmaker Dr. Toshima Karki is also said to have met Ghising and conveyed a similar message, though she publicly denies holding such conversations.
A group of Gen-Z protesters—who led demonstrations on September 8 and 9 —are likewise preparing to join Ghising’s Ujyalo Nepal Party following the agreement they submitted to Prime Minister Sushila Karki.
Ujyalo Nepal Party central member Dakendra Singh Thegim confirmed that discussions are underway with multiple alternative political forces. However, he said he is not aware of when Ghising plans to resign from the interim government.
Kulman weighing resignation
According to Ghising’s secretariat, several central members urged him on Saturday to resign and enter active politics. A secretariat member said Ghising is inclined to step down sooner or later.
“The timing is not yet fixed, but given the pressure from within the party, he is leaning toward resignation,” the member said. “Even if he does not resign immediately, he will openly join the party. He is preparing to step down before the elections and take leadership.
But he is also mindful not to abandon a government that is already under strain. Prime Minister Sushila Karki has high expectations of him.”
Ghising’s close aides say a final decision will be made only after consultations with the prime minister. However, with the March 5, 2026 election approaching, time is running out for him to build a national organization and mobilize voters.
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