Energy Minister Kulman Ghising is preparing to resign from his ministerial post amid growing political pressure. During Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Sushila Karki advised ministers who have become active in party politics to step down, a message widely seen as being primarily directed at Ghising.
Ghising has been deeply involved in party politics for some time. He initially launched the Ujyalo Nepal Party under his leadership as its patron and later reached an agreement to become senior vice-chairperson of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). His continued engagement in party activities has fueled criticism that, despite claims of a non-partisan “citizen government,” ministers themselves are actively involved in partisan politics. This criticism prompted Prime Minister Karki to suggest his resignation.
Alongside Ghising, Communications Minister Jagadish Kharel and Youth and Sports Minister Bablu Gupta—both reportedly active in party politics and considering contesting elections—are also facing pressure to resign. However, Communications Minister Kharel claimed in a media interaction on Tuesday that no such pressure had come from the Prime Minister.
Meanwhile, Ghising stated at a press conference on Tuesday evening that he was “not yet a member of any political party,” signaling that he was not inclined to resign. Following this statement, he faced a backlash on social media.
As criticism intensified from the Prime Minister’s office, the media, and social platforms, sources say Ghising has now shifted toward resigning as early as Wednesday. According to a leader of the Ujyalo Nepal Party, Ghising has been seeking advice on whether he should resign immediately, though party leaders have suggested holding further internal discussions before making a final decision.
Party leaders have also raised questions about the need for resignation at this stage, noting that Ghising has not formally taken membership in any party, that only a unity agreement with RSP exists, and that official integration has not yet taken place. A party source said that since the integration list has not even been submitted to RSP, some argue that resignation could wait until formal alignment is completed. Ultimately, however, the final decision is expected to rest with Ghising himself.
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