Kulman Ghising reaches out to diaspora in Bahrain, signals political aspirations

KATHMANDU, July 6: Former Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) Executive Director Kulman Ghising, currently on a visit to Bahrain as part of his "Ujyalo Nepal" (Bright Nepal) campaign, has been honored by the local Nepali community amid rising speculation about his political entry.

Ghising, who was dismissed by the government four months before the completion of his term on March 24, is seen actively seeking public engagement after his abrupt removal. Speaking at a joint felicitation event organized by the Nepali diaspora in Bahrain, Ghising called for public support, stating, “If I have your backing, I am ready to move forward.”

Eye on the diaspora, ear to the public

Targeting Nepali youth and migrant workers abroad, Ghising’s outreach tour includes upcoming visits to Dubai and Qatar. These interactions, he says, are a two-way street — to share his vision and listen to the concerns of the Nepali diaspora.

Back home, as various political parties deliberate potential candidates for the upcoming by-election in Rupandehi-3, Ghising appears to be focusing on building a broader base of support among Nepalis abroad.

In his Bahrain address, Ghising emphasized three key themes:

Respect, where it's due

Ghising criticized the growing trend in Nepal of disrespecting those who deserve recognition and honoring those who do not. “If a narrative is created where those who should be respected are insulted, and those who should be held accountable are celebrated, how can we build a better Nepal?” he asked.

He referenced emerging young leaders like Balen Shah, Harka Sampang, and Gopal Hamal, noting that while they have offered hope, they also face systemic challenges. “Even Rabi Lamichhane formed a party and entered politics, and the struggles he and others face are no secret to you,” he said.

Nepal’s leadership has failed to inspire

Ghising stated that Nepal's current leadership has failed to instill hope and confidence. “Nepal now needs leadership that delivers results — not just talks. We need campaigns for economic revolution, good governance, and social justice,” he asserted. Only such leadership, he said, can restore faith and prevent the outflow of Nepali youth.

Join me — I am ready to move forward

Calling Ujyalo Nepal a campaign to illuminate the nation and uplift families, Ghising urged people to join him. “This is an effort to awaken our economy, our society, and our self-belief. Without this, the youth exodus will not stop,” he said. “This campaign is about lighting up your faces, the faces of our parents and children. If you support me, I am ready to move forward.”

On his dismissal

Ghising also revisited the circumstances of his removal from NEA. “What was the urgency to dismiss me just four months before my term ended?” he questioned. He criticized efforts to manipulate data to discredit the authority’s performance after his departure. “People were told the NEA was in loss the moment I left. But the data was fabricated,” he claimed.

He added that he had hoped for a respectful exit after years of service, but was instead subjected to repeated inquiries. “For nine months straight, I was asked for clarifications — for doing good work,” he said.

A political signal?

Following his dismissal, Ghising has not ruled out entering politics. His recent actions — from launching a campaign to renewing contact with communities at home and abroad — point toward growing political ambition. Reports suggest he may be considered as a candidate from Rupandehi-3, though Ghising remains focused, for now, on public engagement rather than formal party affiliation.

In the meantime, Ujyalo Nepal continues to gather momentum — and observers are watching closely.