Kulman Ghising Ujyaalo Nepal Party: Files Candidacy from Kathmandu
20th January 2026, Kathmandu
In a notable political development ahead of the upcoming parliamentary elections in Nepal, Kulman Ghising, the chairperson of the Ujyaalo Nepal Party, has officially confirmed his candidacy for Kathmandu Constituency No. 3. Ghising registered his nomination on January 20, 2026, marking a strategic turn for his party as it seeks to establish a nationwide presence. This decision follows the high profile collapse of a proposed unity agreement with the Rastriya Swatantra Party just weeks before the filing deadline.
Kulman Ghising Ujyaalo Nepal
According to Kumarraj Subedi, a central member of the party and coordinator of the constituency election mobilization committee, Ghising gathered with a large group of supporters at Jorpati Chowk at noon on Tuesday. The assembly then proceeded to the Election Office in a spirited rally to officially file the nomination papers for the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5, 2026 (Falgun 21, 2082). The event attracted significant national media attention, given the reputation of Ghising as the technocrat who famously ended the load shedding crisis in Nepal.
Resignation from the Interim Cabinet
Kulman Ghising had previously resigned from his ministerial post on January 7, 2026, to focus entirely on his electoral campaign. During the interim administration led by Prime Minister Sushila Karki, Ghising held three critical portfolios: Minister for Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation; Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport; and Minister for Urban Development.
His resignation was prompted by the decision of the Prime Minister to ensure a neutral election government, asking all ministers with active political ambitions to step down. By leaving his influential position, Ghising demonstrated his commitment to a full scale political career and signaled his intent to expand the influence of the Ujyaalo Nepal Party independently of other established alternative forces.
The Collapse of the Unity Deal with RSP
The candidacy of Ghising in Kathmandu-3 comes after a short lived unification attempt with the Rastriya Swatantra Party. In late December 2025, a seven point agreement was signed between the RSP and the Ujyaalo Nepal Party, which was then led by Anup Kumar Upadhyay with Ghising as the patron. Under that deal, Ghising was set to become the Senior Vice President of a unified RSP.
However, the partnership dissolved within 12 days due to disagreements over leadership roles and the distribution of election tickets. Following the split, the Ujyaalo Nepal Party officially appointed Kulman Ghising as its Chairman. This shift forced the party to recalibrate its strategy, leading to the decision to field Ghising as their primary face in the capital city.
Strategic Importance of Kathmandu Constituency No. 3
Kathmandu-3 is a highly visible and politically significant constituency that includes areas such as Jorpati, Gokarneshwor, and parts of Kapan. By filing from this seat, Ghising positions himself for maximum media coverage and direct engagement with an urban electorate that values technical expertise and infrastructure development.
The race in Kathmandu-3 is shaping up to be a multi cornered contest involving:
Rameshwar Phuyal from the CPN-UML.
Santosh Chalise from the Nepali Congress.
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Candidates from the Rastriya Swatantra Party.
Analysts suggest that the experience of Ghising in governance and his legacy at the Nepal Electricity Authority provide him with a unique competitive edge. His campaign is expected to leverage his “Ujyaalo Nepal” (Bright Nepal) branding, using the light bulb as a symbol of progress and reliability.
Grassroots Mobilization and Campaign Vision
The campaign of the Ujyaalo Nepal Party is prioritizing grassroots mobilization, starting with the massive rally at Jorpati Chowk. Party members and volunteers are engaging voters directly, highlighting the vision of the party for a modern, energy independent, and corruption free Nepal.
As a candidate, Ghising is focusing on:
Accelerating hydropower and renewable energy projects to boost the economy.
Reforming the public transport system and urban infrastructure in Kathmandu.
Implementing a “Gen Z” friendly policy framework that emphasizes meritocracy over political patronage.
National Implications of the Independent Path
The independent electoral strategy of the Ujyaalo Nepal Party demonstrates the political resilience of Ghising. By moving forward without the RSP, the party is positioning itself as a self reliant player that could emerge as a kingmaker or a significant alternative force in the next parliament. This move may influence voter turnout among the youth and urban professionals who were previously looking for a unified alternative front.
The performance of Ghising in Kathmandu-3 will be a bellwether for the “technocrat in politics” movement in Nepal. If successful, it could pave the way for more professionals to leave the bureaucracy and enter the legislative process.
Conclusion
With the formal filing of his candidacy now complete, Kulman Ghising and the Ujyaalo Nepal Party are set to play a prominent role in the 2082 parliamentary race. His transition from an executive ministerial role to an active political campaigner represents a determined effort to provide a new leadership model for the nation. As the election on March 5 approaches, the campaign in Kathmandu-3 will be one of the most closely observed contests in the capital and across the nation.
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