The Tamesis
The Kalki government, established after the Generation Z movement on September 12, claims to have pioneered the spirit of “civilian government” and is widely regarded as neutral, impartial and free of political baggage.
But some ministers, including Ghising, Youth and Sports Minister Bablu Gupta and Information and Communications Technology Minister Jagadish Harel, are leaning towards different parties. An unnamed minister told The Washington Post that the prime minister let them know about public perception and asked them to quit the government.
“This is not the first time the prime minister has directed Gissing to quit the government,” the minister said. “She did it again on Monday.”
The Prime Minister also asked Minister Gupta whether he planned to contest the March 5 elections. Gupta did not take a clear stance but told the prime minister he was considering the possibility.
Another minister, Karel, who did not attend Monday’s cabinet meeting, also showed a leaning towards the NPP. “The prime minister is also disturbed by Karel’s closeness to the Real Socialist Party,” the minister told The Washington Post.
Although the Prime Minister did not mention any ministers by name, she said party figures should be aware of the situation and act accordingly. She told ministers to assess the situation and make their own decisions.
“Those who are contesting the upcoming elections should withdraw – this is the Prime Minister’s message,” the minister added.
Karki told the meeting that the ministers have done a good job in the government so far.
“But now, we are entering a new phase. In this context, some colleagues have clearly shown a desire to enter politics and campaign. Therefore, it is better for them to leave the government,” the minister quoted the prime minister as saying at the meeting.
The Prime Minister has always maintained that this is a civil government built on the Gen Z movement, but some ministers have become involved in politics. “Now, please make it easier for me,” she said.
Another minister said Monday’s meeting began with a lengthy debate on the issue. The minister quoted the Prime Minister as saying, “If you want to get involved in politics, you can continue, I have nothing to say about that. But remember, this is a civil government.” At the end of the meeting, she again reminded the concerned ministers of the issue as they left.
But the three ministers have yet to make a decision on quitting the government.
Minister Gissing says he will not resign
Energy Minister Kurman Giesin responded by saying he would not quit the government because he was not currently a member of a political party.
During an interaction with Engineers in Lalitpur on Tuesday, Ghising clarified that he does not hold membership of any political party.
In a cabinet meeting on Monday, Prime Minister Sushila Karki told ministers that they must resign if they want to take part in politics in the upcoming assembly elections.
Ghising is a patron of the Ujiyalo Party Nepal (UNP). The party has been active since November.
However, after reaching a seven-point agreement with the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) on December 29, Ghisingh was said to be appointed as senior vice-president of the UP party.
According to sources close to the prime minister, Karki in a cabinet meeting on Monday explicitly asked Ghisingh to leave the government if he wishes to remain active in politics.
A source in the prime minister’s office said that while the prime minister’s comments were directed at Gissing, the message applies equally to other cabinet members who want to be active in party politics.
According to people familiar with the matter, the prime minister’s position is that sitting ministers, by virtue of their power, may use state resources to influence the electoral process.
