KATHMANDU: The ruling Nepali Congress (NC) is facing internal discord following the government’s controversial dismissal of Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) Managing Director Kulman Ghising.
The decision, made during a Cabinet meeting at the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers in Singha Durbar on Monday evening, comes just four months before Ghising’s term was set to expire.
The move has sparked a division within the Nepali Congress, with General Secretaries Gagan Thapa and Bishwaprakash Sharma openly criticizing the decision.
Both leaders voiced their opposition on social media after reports emerged citing certain ministers as responsible for Ghising’s removal.
However, their stance has drawn backlash from the public and intellectuals alike, with many questioning their leadership approach and offering critical suggestions.
Notably, General Secretary Thapa had previously advised the government to refrain from unnecessary interference when Energy Minister Deepak Khadka was reportedly pushing for Ghising’s dismissal.
Thapa had urged Khadka, a Nepali Congress-appointed minister, to focus on more pressing matters rather than pursuing Ghising’s removal.
“A government with a two-thirds majority. Employees and various agencies under its control. A high politburo of vice presidents and general secretaries leading the administration. Yet, a weak ordinance to solve the problem,” he wrote on X following the dismissal of Ghising.
“I am not absolving the government of its mistakes,” Thapa stated during a special session in the House of Representatives recently. “However, not all errors originate from this administration alone. I urge the government and its ministers to refrain from unnecessary actions and interference.”
Despite Thapa’s vocal opposition, social media users have overwhelmingly suggested that he and other high-ranking Congress officials resign from their party roles.
Among them, journalist Vijay Kumar has called on Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba to overturn the decision.
He further suggested that leaders like Thapa should step down from the party’s high-level political mechanism if the decision is not reversed.
“The government, already facing public discontent, has only worsened the situation by dismissing Kulman Ghising just months before his term ends,” Kumar stated in posts on Facebook and X.
“We urge the Prime Minister and Nepali Congress President to immediately correct this decision. If not, we request Vice President Purna Bahadur Khadka, General Secretary Gagan Thapa, and other members to resign from the government’s decision-making mechanism.”
Earlier, Thapa had expressed his frustration, stating that while the government had been working to address public dissatisfaction, the decision to remove Ghising had only exacerbated tensions.
“Public discontent is rising, and some are using it for personal gain,” he wrote. “At a time when the government should be addressing grievances through better governance, it instead pours fuel on the fire. Is this how we lead? If ministers stray, the Prime Minister must step in. Unfortunately, that did not happen, and this decision is undeniably wrong.”
Meanwhile, the ruling Congress and UML continue efforts to establish a high-level, two-party political mechanism aimed at ensuring the effectiveness of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s government.
The eight-member body includes four representatives from each party. Nepali Congress has appointed Vice President Purna Bahadur Khadka, General Secretary Gagan Thapa, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, and Foreign Minister Arju Rana.
The CPN-UML is represented by Senior Vice Chair Ishwor Pokharel, General Secretary Shankar Pokharel, Finance Minister Bishnu Poudel, and Deputy Secretary General Bishnu Rimal.
As internal divisions deepen, the future of the Congress-led government remains uncertain, with growing public pressure for accountability and course correction.
Despite being a member of the high-level political mechanism established to ensure effective governance, sociologist Nirmala Dhakal has expressed frustration, directly criticizing Thapa for failing to meet public expectations.
“There is no value within the party; here, one only finds dirty laundry,” Dhakal wrote in a statement without explicitly naming Thapa.
“Even the life of those involved in politics has become more precarious than that of a gray-haired dog.”
Lekhnath Pandey, a professor at Ratna Rajya Laxmi Campus, highlighted the need to understand why General Secretary Thapa has become a target in the Kulman case.
“The decision to remove Kulman Ghising, the Managing Director of the Nepal Electricity Authority, who has tirelessly worked to eliminate load shedding with only a few months left in his term, is wrong. I urge the government to immediately reverse this rash decision.”
“People often praised Gagan’s tweets and comments. But why is he now facing criticism in this case? One must recognize that partisanship is a political disease and should be avoided,” he wrote.
The criticism of General Secretary Thapa has intensified, not only on social media but also from within his own party, due to the ‘Kulman affair.’
Central member Prof. Dr. Govinda Raj Pokharel, who was with Thapa during the party’s 14th general convention, also condemned the introduction of a weak ordinance to address the issue, despite the presence of a high politburo consisting of vice presidents and general secretaries of major parties in power.
“A government with a two-thirds majority. Employees and various agencies under its control. A high politburo of vice presidents and general secretaries leading the administration. Yet, a weak ordinance to solve the problem,” he wrote on X following the dismissal of Ghising.
“Apart from the economy, some infrastructure, health, and social development initiatives in the republic are commendable. But why hasn’t enthusiasm increased? The government must accelerate its efforts.”
Nainsingh Mahar, a central member of the Congress establishment wing, also targeted General Secretary Thapa, criticizing the recent actions of Congress office-bearers.
“There is a mechanism for running the government and office bearers for managing the party, which are neither constitutional nor legal. Yet, many remain in the eyes of the public who should be removed,” Mahar wrote on Facebook.
“Unfortunately, those rejected by the people, who persist as remnants, are now trying to stir a storm in a teacup. It would be beneficial for all if they corrected their course.”
What leaders said on ‘Kulman case’
Bishwaprakash Sharma, General Secretary
“There was no consensus at the Nepali Congress office-bearer level to remove Kulman Ghising. Internally and publicly, warnings were issued to let him complete his remaining term and not to dismiss him. If action was necessary, it could have been taken later. @PM_nepal_ This decision was ill-timed and has overshadowed some positive initiatives.”
Shekhar Koirala, Central Member
“This is yet another example of the government’s misrule. The decision to remove Kulman Ghising can neither be justified by the government nor by the party. The Nepali Congress should not take ownership of it. How long will this continue? The wisdom of destruction is prevailing.”
Dr. Dila Sangraula, Central Member
“The decision to remove Kulman Ghising, the Managing Director of the Nepal Electricity Authority, who has tirelessly worked to eliminate load shedding with only a few months left in his term, is wrong. I urge the government to immediately reverse this rash decision.”
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