Kathmandu: Prime Minister Sushila Karki has suggested that Energy Minister Kulman Ghising leave the government, citing concerns over his active involvement in party politics while serving in a non-partisan administration formed to conduct elections.
According to sources, the issue was discussed during a Cabinet meeting held on Monday, where Ghising was advised that it would be appropriate for him to step aside if he intends to actively participate in electoral politics. A source familiar with the discussion said the Prime Minister acknowledged Ghising’s role in helping create an environment conducive to timely elections, adding that he was encouraged to leave the government if he wished to contest the polls and work openly for his party.
Ghising had earlier attempted to resign from the Cabinet when he founded the Ujjaya Nepal Party. At that time, Prime Minister Karki reportedly asked him to continue in office until the completion of ongoing responsibilities, following which Ghising limited his role in the party to that of a patron. However, after he agreed to assume the position of vice-president of the National Independent Party (NISP), questions began to surface both within the Cabinet and in political circles about the appropriateness of his continued presence in the government.
Sources said several ministers expressed the view that it was inappropriate for a person holding a senior leadership position in a political party to remain in a non-party, election-focused government. Following these concerns, Prime Minister Karki formally suggested that Ghising step down.
Although Ghising has agreed to become vice-president of the National Independent Party, he has not yet taken the oath of office. Despite his open engagement in politics, there is also discussion about other ministers potentially contesting elections from various political parties, though none have publicly declared their candidacies so far.
The development highlights growing sensitivities within the interim government regarding neutrality and fairness in the lead-up to the upcoming elections.
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