Widespread protests against government for removing Kulman Ghising

KATHMANDU: The government’s decision to remove Kulman Ghising from his position as the Executive Director of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) has sparked widespread opposition across various sectors.

Protests erupted in Kathmandu on Tuesday, with organizations like the Youth Association close to the Unified Socialist Party, and the All Nepal National Independent Students Union (ANNISU), voicing their criticism.

Protesters gathered outside the Bishwabhasha Campus, chanting slogans and burning the effigy of the Minister for Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation, Deepak Khadka.

The decision has also faced strong backlash from major opposition parties. The Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist Centre) and the RSP have criticized the move, claiming that under Ghising’s leadership, the country’s energy sector saw significant progress.

They described his removal as an act of shortsightedness by the government. There is also evident dissatisfaction within the ruling Nepali Congress party, with party General Secretaries Gagan Thapa and Bishwoprakash Sharma publicly denouncing the decision. Both leaders expressed that removing a competent and honest leader like Ghising was a sign of regressing in the energy sector.

Public outrage over Ghising’s removal is not limited to political circles. Ordinary citizens have also taken to social media to voice their disapproval.

Many have praised Ghising’s tenure, highlighting his role in ending load shedding and turning NEA into a profitable entity.

His management skills earned him widespread public support, further fueling questions about the rationale behind his dismissal.

Analysts suggest that this decision could be a reflection of internal divisions within the government. Some political figures have criticized the move as misguided and an unnecessary source of controversy.

However, the government has yet to provide an official statement regarding the reasons behind Ghising’s removal.

While the Ministry of Energy has refrained from offering a clear explanation, supporters of the government view this decision as a routine administrative process.