Govt. Removes Kulman Ghising: Political Game or Public Loss?

Kathmandu: The Nepal government, in its Monday cabinet meeting, has dismissed Kulman Ghising from his position as Executive Director of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), just four months before the end of his second term. Former NEA chief Hitendra Dev Shakya has been reinstated and has already assumed office as of Tuesday.

This decision has sparked a wave of political and public reactions, with many questioning the government’s motives and potential implications.

From Light to Shadow: Kulman’s Journey

Kulman Ghising, who entered NEA as a seventh-level engineer in 2051 BS, was appointed Executive Director on 29 Bhadra 2073. He was credited with eradicating load-shedding across major cities including Kathmandu, Pokhara, and Chitwan. Under his leadership, NEA turned from a loss-making institution with a deficit of nearly Rs 9 billion into a profit-making entity.

His tenure was also marked by mass transfers of around 2,500 employees and the procurement of LED bulbs, which invited allegations of irregularity. Nevertheless, Ghising defended his actions, stating he had nothing to gain personally.

After completing his term in 2077, public pressure mounted for his reappointment. However, the then KP Oli-led government ignored the demand, instead appointing Hitendra Dev Shakya. Ghising was later reappointed in 2078 by the Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’-led government.

Now, in a surprising political twist, Ghising has been removed again—this time, reinstating Shakya amidst controversy.

What Does Ghising’s Removal Mean? Profit or Loss?

1. Public Dissatisfaction and Political Cost

Removing a popular public figure like Ghising has intensified public dissatisfaction with the government. Voices from the streets to Parliament, including former Prime Minister Prachanda and RSP Chair Rabi Lamichhane, have opposed the move. This decision could negatively affect the ruling coalition in the upcoming 2084 elections.

2. Boost for Monarchist Movements

The move indirectly strengthens royalist sentiment. Leaders like RPP Chief Whip Gyanendra Shahi have used the opportunity to criticize the government, claiming Prachanda “traded Ghising for TRC.”

3. Political Leverage for Maoist Centre

Prachanda and his party may gain sympathy and political capital from Ghising’s removal, portraying themselves as supporters of merit and popular will. The Facebook post by Prachanda and statements in public committees signal a clear effort to take the moral high ground.

4. Opening a Political Path for Kulman Ghising

This decision may catalyze Ghising’s entry into politics. Given his popularity, he could run as an independent or join a political party. Opposition parties may try to pull him into their fold ahead of the next election.

Case Still Pending in Court

Interestingly, Shakya had filed a case in the Supreme Court in 2078 against Ghising’s reappointment, which is still under review. Despite no verdict, Shakya has now taken over NEA leadership again, stating in an Onlinekhabar interview that he has “received justice, for now.”

What’s Next for Kulman Ghising?

Having served NEA for 26 years, including two terms as Executive Director, Ghising had once said that his political future would depend on the situation. With this latest political shake-up, that situation may now be ripe.