Kulman Ghising Preparing to Launch New Political Party After Talks with Other Groups Stall

KATHMANDU, Nov 7

Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation Minister Kulman Ghising is preparing to launch his own political party after efforts to forge alliances with other emerging political forces failed to produce results.

According to sources close to Ghising, the new party is likely to be named Ujyaalo Nepal Party, with the light bulb as its election symbol — a nod to his popular association with ending power cuts during his tenure as managing director of the Nepal Electricity Authority. The party’s registration was submitted to the Election Commission in September.

Ghising had initially explored partnerships with several new political outfits, including the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Bibeksheel Sajha Party, and the Nepal Gen Z Front led by Raksya Bam, but talks reportedly collapsed over disagreements on leadership, name, and election symbol.

A source familiar with the discussions said Ghising opted to move ahead independently after concluding that “a consensus among alternative forces was unlikely.” The source added that Ghising has not yet decided whether to serve as the party’s chairperson or as a member. “He will consult higher authorities before making a final decision and is likely to remain a minister for now,” the source said.

Leaders from the Gen Z Front confirmed that they had proposed forming a unified party under collective leadership rather than centering it on a single individual. “We suggested a unified party under Gen Z leadership given the momentum after the September 8 movement, but Ghising declined,” a Gen Z Front member said.

Milan Pandey, former president of the Bibeksheel Sajha Party, said talks among alternative forces were still ongoing. “Leadership is secondary — the key is recognising those who have contributed to the Gen Z movement. We must unite all credible new forces,” Pandey said.

Meanwhile, the Gen Z Front itself is exploring the possibility of transforming into a full-fledged political party. The group’s organisation chief, Yujan Raj Bhandari, said they are working to institutionalise the movement first. “Some members may enter politics while others remain in civil society. Discussions with multiple groups continue,” he added.

Ghising also held informal talks with the Nagarik Unmukti Party and CK Raut’s Janamat Party, joined by independent activist Sagar Dhakal.

Former Education Minister Sumana Shrestha, who left the Rastriya Swatantra Party earlier this year, said a political platform aligned with Gen Z principles is crucial. “If Gen Z fails to secure parliamentary representation, traditional parties could attempt to suppress or criminalise the movement,” she warned. Shrestha, who was earlier linked with the Gatisheel Loktantrik Party, has since backed the idea of a Gen Z-inspired party with collective leadership rather than a single dominant figure.

Ghising, who had been contemplating forming a political party even before the Gen Z protests, was also approached by the Rastriya Swatantra Party with proposals for collaboration. He reportedly suggested he could lead the unified party if Rabi Lamichhane assumed a patron role.

The RSP had formed a high-level dialogue team led by Vice-Chair Swarnim Wagle, but the talks ultimately stalled. Although Lamichhane had shown flexibility, insiders said other senior RSP leaders were reluctant to concede leadership to Ghising.

As a result, Ghising decided to proceed independently. “He had delayed his announcement after RSP’s proposal, but with no progress made, he has chosen to move forward with his own party,” a close associate confirmed.

If launched, Ujyaalo Nepal Party would join the growing list of alternative forces seeking to challenge Nepal’s established political order — this time under the leadership of one of the country’s most trusted technocrats.