PM Karki advised Minister Ghising to quit govt, focus on party work

KATHMANDU: Interim Prime Minister Sushila Karki has advised Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation Minister Kulman Ghising to leave the government and concentrate on his political party activities.

According to sources, during Monday’s cabinet meeting, PM Karki acknowledged Ghising’s role in creating a conducive electoral environment while in office and suggested that he now focus on party work and the upcoming elections.

“He has performed well in preparing the electoral environment while in the government; now, the Prime Minister suggested he could leave to work for the party and participate in the elections,” the source told Makalu Khabar.

Ghising had intended to resign earlier when forming the Ujyalo Nepal Party, but PM Karki had asked him to complete ongoing government projects before stepping down. Initially, he served as a patron of the party.

Later, after reaching an agreement to become vice-chair of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), his continued presence in the cabinet raised questions both within and outside the government.

Sources said cabinet members had advised the Prime Minister that it was inappropriate for a person holding a party leadership position to remain in a non-partisan interim government.

Following these concerns, PM Karki formally suggested Ghising step down.

While Ghising has agreed to become RSP’s vice-chair, he has not yet taken the party oath.

His open involvement in politics has also sparked speculation that other ministers might contest elections, though none have clarified their intentions.

The interim government, formed after the Gen Z movement, is tasked with conducting the House of Representatives elections scheduled for the upcoming Magh.