Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: A new political force, Ujyalo Nepal Party, was formally announced in Kathmandu on Wednesday with visible support from Minister for Urban Development, Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, Kulman Ghising.
Ghising, however, stopped short of confirming his direct involvement in the party.
The party has adopted “good governance, prosperity and social justice” as its guiding slogan. Ujyalo Nepal is registered with the Election Commission under the chairmanship of former Energy Secretary Anup Kumar Upadhyaya. It has adopted a glowing electric bulb as its election symbol.
Ghising, together with Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah, had initially wanted to formally join the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) after the Gen Z protests of early September, with Ghising assuming its leadership. However, RSP leaders reportedly declined to cede the party chairmanship, instead offering him the post of vice-chairperson. This prompted Ghising to pursue the formation of a new party.
Initially, both Balen Shah and former RSP lawmaker Sumana Shrestha were believed to be with Ghising. But the two distanced themselves from Ghising’s political force. Even so, a meeting between Ghising and Shah a few days ago — coupled with Shrestha’s decision to attend Wednesday’s announcement ceremony — has renewed speculation that both figures could still be associated with the party in the future.
Popular actress Reema Bishwakarma has joined the new political force as a Central Committee member. She read out the party’s policies and official documents.
Ghising, who is widely respected for ending chronic power cuts during his tenure with the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), did not confirm his association with the party. He said he attended the event as a Chief Guest and was not involved in the party.
