Kathmandu- Energy Minister Kulman Ghising has resigned from his ministerial post, submitting his resignation to Prime Minister Sushila Karki on Tuesday. Following his resignation, Ghising held a press conference at the Ministry in Singha Durbar, where he made public details of his work during his tenure.
Ghising was appointed a minister on Bhadra 30 in the civilian government formed in the aftermath of the Gen-Z movement. Prime Minister Karki had entrusted him with the responsibility of the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, along with Physical Infrastructure and Transport and Urban Development.
Before joining the cabinet, Ghising had served as the Chief Executive Officer of the Nepal Electricity Authority. During his ministerial tenure, he registered the Ujjaya Nepal Party under his own leadership and later formed an electoral alliance with the Rastriya Swotantra Party (RSP) on 14 Poush, intensifying preparations to contest the upcoming elections.
His political activities, however, drew criticism, particularly as he was serving in what was described as a non-partisan government. Objections were raised publicly and on social media, with critics arguing that Ghising’s involvement in party activities was inconsistent with his role as a minister. There were also demands for his resignation, citing alleged links with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).
Amid growing controversy, Prime Minister Karki had, during a cabinet meeting on Monday, openly stated that ministers should resign if they intended to engage in active politics or electoral competition.
Addressing the press after stepping down, Ghising said his resignation was guided by ethical considerations rather than political pressure. “My decision to resign is neither an act of escape nor an attempt to evade responsibility. It is a continuation of my self-respect, ethics, principles, and commitment to the people,” he said.
Emphasizing his values, Ghising added, “I believe values are greater than positions, principles are higher than chairs, and the people are greater than both the government and personal ambition.”
He stated that his responsibility toward the country and its citizens does not end with holding office. “I consider it my duty to stand with the nation and the people, not only while in office but also after leaving it,” he said.
Ghising also rejected allegations of corruption related to electricity imports from India, asserting that there was no wrongdoing in the procurement process during his leadership.
His resignation clears the way for him to formally enter electoral politics, while also marking the end of a brief but contentious ministerial tenure marked by debates over ethics, neutrality, and the boundaries between governance and politics.
