Kathmandu, November 13 – Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal aimed to dispel rumors on Thursday, stating he has no immediate intentions to establ...
Kathmandu, November 13 – Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal aimed to dispel rumors on Thursday, stating he has no immediate intentions to establish a political party and has no desire to run for a parliamentary seat in the elections scheduled for March 5.
He delivered the comments during a speech at the Federalism Enablement and National Concern Committee of the National Assembly, in reply to a member of the legislature's question.
The issue of whether members of the temporary government will participate in the elections on March 5 continues to attract public attention.
Following the establishment of the Ujyalo Nepal Party (UNP), officially led by former energy secretary Anup Kumar Upadhyay and politically supported by Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Minister Kulman Ghising, discussions have emerged regarding the impartiality of the citizen government that came into being after the Gen Z revolution.
Although Ghising is not included in the party's official hierarchy, opponents claim that his behind-the-scenes participation brings up ethical concerns. His followers, on the other hand, believe it is premature to challenge his political position.
On Wednesday, the UNP, which has recently been registered with the Election Commission, revealed changes in its leadership, featuring a 51-member central committee headed by Upadhyay.
Notable individuals within the party consist of actress and TV host Reema Bishwakarma, professor Mahendra Lawoti, and Tara Prasad Joshi, who was elected independently as a member of the Sudurpaschim provincial assembly. Similarly, other members include Shri Gurung, Shankar Dhakal, Dr Raju Thapa, Dr Bishal Bhandari, and Sita Pandey.
Even though Ghising does not hold an official position within the UNP, the general public tends to view the party as his.
During a meeting with reporters on October 31, Prime Minister Sushila Karki stated that her Cabinet members would not participate in the election. It is reported that she inquired if Ghising was interested, but he is said to have remained quiet.
As per party leader Upadhyay, Ghising is set to step down from his ministerial position prior to the implementation of the election code of conduct for the March 5 elections and will fully engage in the electoral process.
Currently, Ghising oversees three ministries: the Ministry of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation; the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport; and the Ministry of Urban Development.
His participation in establishing a political party has sparked discussion, as the general public views the existing government as impartial, primarily made up of experts, and headed by a former chief justice.
Upadhyay stated that it is challenging to find someone who has no political views. He clarified that Ghising will not become a member of the party right away, emphasizing that Ghising's participation should not be interpreted as affecting the impartiality of the civilian government.
However, critics argue that it is a conflict of interest and ethically unacceptable for a government official to establish a political party.
Geja Sharma Wagle, a political commentator, states, "The Gen Z movement, which saw at least 76 individuals lose their lives, was not aimed at installing someone linked to a political party into power. It is unethical for someone currently serving in the government to establish a political party with intentions to run in the next election."
In the meantime, Gen Z Digital Dastak, a group within the Gen Z coalition, advocates for practicality rather than emotion in this discussion.
Ashutosh Yadav, from Digital Dastak, stated that Ghising cannot be regarded as the party leader unless his name is officially recognized as the head of the UNP.
It is true that the Gen Z movement and the following government did not wish for any political party to be in power," Yadav stated. "However, it would be unwise to speak about him unless his name is on paper.
Nevertheless, statements from UNP members suggesting that Ghising will affiliate with the party prior to the election imply that he is deeply connected to the group.
At the time the temporary government was established, it was widely believed that none of its members would participate in the upcoming elections. However, a source affiliated with Ghising states that he was an exception.
A representative from the Prime Minister's Office mentioned that Ghising was added to the Council of Ministers due to his knowledge in the energy field, even though he was hesitant. The official noted that Ghising had previously thought about running in the upcoming elections before entering the government and decided to join the temporary administration at the personal invitation of Prime Minister Karki.
An official stated that Ghising sought the prime minister's advice regarding party registration prior to the UNP being established. "It was the prime minister who advised him not to step down right away," the source mentioned.
The Karki administration, required to organize elections within six months, has already been in power for more than two months.
Should Ghising step down only after the election code of conduct is implemented, it could lead to additional difficulties for the temporary administration during a crucial period.
The Prime Minister, Karki, who promised to maintain a compact Cabinet, currently has 10 ministers, including herself, which limits opportunities for growth.
Umesh Mainali, a former interior minister, states that if a member of the electoral government intends to run in the election, it would be advisable to step down from the Cabinet role prior to the implementation of the election code of conduct.
"The civilian government was established to organize the elections, and it was not anticipated that its members would run for office, and it would be unethical to resign shortly before the vote," Mainali stated.
The chief advisor to Prime Minister Karki, Ajaya Bhadra Khanal, stated that there is no legal restriction preventing members of an elected government from participating in elections, although associating a representative from a citizen-led government with a political party could lead to ethical concerns.
"The prime minister personally asked about Minister Ghising's political role within the party, but she has not yet decided on the next steps," Khanal told the Post.
Upadhyay contends that the departure of one minister will not influence the electoral process.
"The main duties for the election are handled by the Prime Minister's Office, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Election Commission. As the administrative systems supporting these organizations will continue to function, the exit of one minister will have no impact," Upadhyay stated.
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