Kulman Ghising is currently traveling across the country to expand the organization of the Ujyalo Nepal Party. After holding a provincial gathering in Dharan and positioning himself as a political challenger to Harka Sampang in Koshi Province, Ghising says his party is moving ahead in a measured and disciplined manner.
Following the collapse of the proposed unification process with the Rastriya Swatantra Party, Ghising says he has gradually come to better understand the realities of politics. While discussions among alternative political forces are ongoing, he insists there have been no concrete talks of party unification with either Harka Sampang or Sudan Kirati.
Ghising acknowledged meeting Sudan after returning from his eastern tour, but said no meaningful progress had been made toward any alliance. “No one knows what circumstances may bring, but right now nothing has matured,” he said.
He also expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s recent actions, accusing Prime Minister Balen Shah of rushing major decisions. According to Ghising, sustainable politics cannot move forward in haste. He argued that with a five-year mandate, the government should avoid acting with a mindset of “eating while it is still hot and dying from the burn.”
Excerpts:
There are rumors that you are in unity talks with Sudan Kirati and Harka Sampang. Is that true?
Politically, dialogue happens with everyone, but so far there has been no meeting or discussion with Harka Sampang. There is nothing concrete regarding unity.
But it is said that you already held talks with Sudan?
Yes. He came to meet me. We had some discussions, but there was not much conversation about party unity. It seems he has now moved toward the Shram Sanskriti side, and I wish him well. At the moment, there is nothing between us.
So, could there be an alliance between Ujyalo and Shram Sanskriti before the local elections?
I do not know what the future holds. There is no immediate possibility of an alliance. But since there is still time before the elections, discussions on such issues may take place. We are moving ahead strategically, and there is no hidden agenda on our side.
People say Sudan is trying to bring you and Harka together.
I do not know what circumstances may bring, but nothing has matured yet. It is natural for forces with alternative ideas to come together, but nothing has been decided for now.
What is your party’s strategy at the moment?
We are expanding the party organization, bringing in more people, and moving forward. We are preparing strategies with local and provincial elections in mind. We are also serious about addressing people’s key concerns and putting pressure on the government where necessary.
Right now, we are traveling across districts to expand the organization and help people understand the party. We are not trying to make quick political gains at this stage. Gradually, people are beginning to understand our message and support us. Politics has not troubled us. We came to serve the people, so we are not in favor of making rushed decisions.
You have been visiting different districts in the eastern region. How is the atmosphere there?
The atmosphere for our party has been very positive. Many people are joining us. There has been a strong wave of support from districts such as Panchthar, Dharan, Taplejung and Tehrathum. We are encouraged to see people joining the party and openly expressing their views during the provincial gathering in Dharan.
How are you building the organization right now?
We have had the opportunity to connect directly with people while keeping local and provincial elections in focus. We are listening to their concerns and trying to find solutions. Our goal is to build an organization across the country and become a true people’s party. It may take some time for people to fully understand us, but gradually they are coming closer.
What is your view on the government’s recent activities?
The government seems to be rushing every decision. Work should be carried out in a mature manner. The government appears eager to move quickly and push ahead, but when things are rushed, no one knows where accidents may happen.
We have also said that the issue of landless settlers should be handled with humanitarian sensitivity. It should not be addressed in haste but through a long-term approach. This is a nationwide issue. Proper and sustainable management is necessary. Forced measures may make the government popular for a short period, but in the long run they could harm both the government and the people, who may end up homeless.
The government appears to be trying to run too fast. But there are many examples of accidents caused by rushing. Our belief is that no one should move faster than laws, rules and procedures. There are five years to work, so there is no need for excessive haste.
We should not act with the mindset of “I will eat it while it is hot and die from the burn.” This country belongs to both the poor and the rich. My appeal is for the Prime Minister to act as a guardian of the nation and address everyone fairly. The Prime Minister should become a common guardian and work according to constitutional principles. We will support that. But the way the government is functioning now, there is neither patience nor constitutional clarity in many of its decisions.
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