KATHMANDU: Political circles and the media are abuzz following interim government Prime Minister Sushila Karki’s remarks urging ministers active in party politics to step aside if they plan to contest the upcoming March 5 elections.
During the Cabinet meeting held on Monday, Prime Minister Karki asked ministers who intend to participate in the elections and are affiliated with political parties to consider resigning. Although she did not name anyone directly, her remarks have sparked widespread speculation about the future of four ministers whose political ambitions are under scrutiny.
The Prime Minister’s message was clear: ministers who wish to actively enter electoral politics should be free to do so, but not while remaining in the interim government. This has intensified debate around the political activities of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Minister Kulman Ghising, who resigned on Wednesday evening, Sports Minister Bablu Gupta, Communication and Information Technology Minister Jagadish Kharel, and Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal.
Among them, Ghising’s political intentions appear the most explicit. Ghising, who has previously held key portfolios including energy and physical infrastructure, had launched the Ujyaalo Nepal Party before merging it within months into the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). He has already signed a consent letter to become the party’s vice-chair, ranking second in its hierarchy, further reinforcing speculation that he is preparing to contest the elections.
Similarly, Sports Minister Bablu Gupta is also believed to be ready to enter the electoral race under the bell symbol of the RSVP, with sources suggesting he is preparing to approach the Election Commission for formal procedures.
Minister Kharel has categorically denied being involved in party politics at present. “I have not been seen in the office or programs of any party. I am not a member of any political party, nor have I decided whether to contest the election,” he said, adding that he has not mentally prepared himself to join any party.
In contrast, Communication Minister Kharel and Home Minister Aryal have not formally announced their candidacies. While both are being discussed in political circles as potential RSVP candidates, neither has publicly confirmed party affiliation or election plans.
Minister Kharel has repeatedly stated that he is currently not affiliated with any political party, though he was previously active in the Nepali Congress before joining the interim cabinet.
Kharel has dismissed reports suggesting that he was pressured to resign, saying the Prime Minister merely stated that ministers wishing to contest elections were free to do so. “The Prime Minister did not ask anyone to resign by name,” Kharel said, adding that her remarks had been exaggerated in public discourse.
Members of Home Minister Aryal’s secretariat have echoed a similar view, maintaining that the Prime Minister made a general statement to the entire Cabinet and did not single out any minister. However, some insiders believe that the political signal was primarily directed at Ghising and Gupta, while Kharel and Aryal were indirectly drawn into the controversy.
Prime Minister Karki’s secretariat has clarified that she did not demand resignations explicitly but emphasized that ministers closely linked to party politics would be free to contest elections if they wished. According to sources, Ghising had earlier informed the Prime Minister of his intention to run in the elections and indicated he would resign before formally launching his campaign.
Meanwhile, uncertainty continues to surround the decisions of Kharel and Aryal. While Kulman and Bablu appear poised for the electoral battle, Kharel and Aryal remain cautious, keeping political circles guessing about their next move as the election date draws closer.
Earlier, even before the formal announcement of the Ujyaalo Nepal Party, Energy Minister Ghising had discussed the issue of resignation with Prime Minister Sushila Karki, sources say. At the time, Ghising had submitted his resignation, but the Prime Minister requested him to continue for some time and consider stepping down after formally joining a political party.
“Earlier, he (Kulman Ghising) had already tendered his resignation to the Prime Minister. He paused after being asked to help for some time. He will resign before entering the election race,” said a senior leader familiar with the discussions.
Sports Minister Gupta is also preparing to resign if he formally enters politics and decides to contest the elections. According to his aides, there was never an intention to quit midway without a clear political decision.
“He has worked to reconcile leaders like Kulman and Balen but has not joined any party so far. If he joins a party or contests the election, he will resign as minister,” one of his close aides said. However, Gupta has not yet made a final decision and remains in consultations regarding his possible candidacy.
Overall, while Ghising and Gupta appear closer to entering the electoral arena, Kharel and Aryal continue to maintain a wait-and-watch stance, insisting they will only step aside once a clear political decision is made.
Meanwhile, Communications Minister Kharel and Home Minister Aryal have neither joined any party nor announced plans to contest the elections. Both ministers are said to be prepared to resign if they decide to run. “If Jagadish Kharel and Om Prakash Aryal contest the elections, they will resign from the Cabinet. There is no need to drag them into unnecessary controversy,” said an adviser to the Prime Minister, adding that the understanding is to step aside by consensus once electoral ambitions are formalized.
What does Kharel say?
Minister Kharel has categorically denied being involved in party politics at present. “I have not been seen in the office or programs of any party. I am not a member of any political party, nor have I decided whether to contest the election,” he said, adding that he has not mentally prepared himself to join any party.
Kharel said he has been holding meetings with leaders across the political spectrum solely to help create a conducive election environment. “Just on Wednesday morning, I met Rastriya Prajatantra Party Chair Rajendra Lingden. I am meeting leaders of various parties to facilitate the election atmosphere,” he said.
Clarifying reports linking him to political maneuvering, Kharel said he was surprised by claims that he was asked to resign. “The Prime Minister did not ask anyone to resign by name in the Cabinet meeting. She only said that those preparing for elections are free to do so,” he explained.
Kharel acknowledged that people he met during district visits often encouraged him to join politics, but stressed that he himself has not made such a decision. “I am not involved in any party, not even as a general member. Since I have not decided to contest, there is no pressure on me to resign,” he said, adding that he could always return to journalism if he leaves the government.
“At present, I am the government spokesperson and the Minister of Communication and Information Technology. My responsibility is to support the government and help ensure free, fair and successful elections,” Kharel said, distancing himself from speculation surrounding ministerial resignations and electoral politics.
Overall, while Ghising and Gupta appear closer to entering the electoral arena, Kharel and Aryal continue to maintain a wait-and-watch stance, insisting they will only step aside once a clear political decision is made.
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