Kulman calls for unity among alternative political forces

KATHMANDU: As a new political equation takes shape in Kathmandu between Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) President Rabi Lamichhane and Mayor Balendra Shah, Ujyalo Nepal Party patron Kulman Ghising has emphasized the need for alternative political forces to unite.

Addressing party workers in Pokhara on Sunday, Ghising stressed that to meet the country’s needs and public demand, all alternative forces must stand together.

While acknowledging that party mergers may not always be possible, he urged pursuing “operational unity” as a practical solution.

“Those with the right leadership and alternative ideas must move forward united rather than scattered. If full party mergers are not feasible, we should at least ensure functional cooperation,” Ghising said, appealing to both new and mainstream reformist forces to come together.

Highlighting public sentiment, he added, “People are seeking alternatives to the old political methods. The current public opinion favors unity among alternative forces to provide new leadership, and we must recognize this in time.”

Ghising’s remarks coincided with the day Lamichhane and Mayor Shah publicly announced their seven-point agreement.

While Ghising had previously explored collaboration with Shah, he remains outside the current RSP-Balen alliance.

He clarified, however, that the door remains open for respectful cooperation.

Emphasizing the importance of dignity and self-respect in any collaboration, Ghising said, “We are ready to cooperate with all, but it must be respectful. Only partnerships that preserve our self-respect will yield results. Substantial outcomes of ongoing discussions will be visible in the coming days.”