Kulman Ghising, the former head of Nepal’s electricity board, has become one of the main names suggested for the post of interim prime minister of Nepal. His name is being pushed by the protesting Gen Z movement just two days after KP Sharma Oli resigned, following massive demonstrations against his government. On Wednesday night, the Nepal Army announced strict nationwide restrictions and imposed a curfew until 6 am Thursday. Reports say that along with Ghising, former chief justice Sushila Karki and Kathmandu mayor Balendra Shah are also being considered by the Gen Z protesters as possible leaders of an interim government.
Who is Kulman Ghising?
Kulman Ghising, born on November 25, 1970, in Bethan, Ramechhap, is one of Nepal’s most respected public figures. He studied electrical engineering in India at the Regional Institute of Technology, Jamshedpur, and later at Pulchowk Engineering College in Nepal. To strengthen his management skills, he also earned an MBA.
Ghising is best known as the man who ended Nepal’s long power cuts. For years, the country faced daily load-shedding of up to 18 hours, but after becoming managing director of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) in 2016, he turned the situation around, making reliable electricity supply a reality for millions of Nepalis.
He first joined NEA in 1994 and worked his way up through the organization. His leadership made him a household name and a symbol of efficiency in government service. After his four-year term ended in 2020, he was replaced but was brought back to the post in 2021.
On March 24, 2025, just months before his tenure was set to finish, the KP Sharma Oli government removed him as executive director of NEA and appointed Hitendra Dev Shakya in his place. The decision was sharply criticized by opposition parties and civil society groups, who accused the government of political interference. Many believe Ghising’s removal had little to do with performance and more to do with politics.
Kulman Ghising’s possible rise as interim PM
Kulman Ghising’s possible rise as interim Prime Minister comes at a time of major political turmoil in Nepal. The resignation of KP Sharma Oli was triggered by mass protests led by the country’s Gen Z movement, which has been speaking out against corruption, unemployment, and a controversial ban on social media.
As the demonstrations grew more violent, the government called in the Nepal Army to restore order and imposed a nationwide curfew. The unrest has created a power vacuum, with young protesters pushing for fresh leadership and Ghising emerging as one of the top choices.
The death toll from the violent protests led by the ‘Gen Z’ group since Sunday evening had increased to 30, according to the Ministry of Health and Population.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Kulman Ghising is likely to be the head of Nepal’s interim government.
- He is credited with solving Nepal’s power crisis.
- According to a reports, protesters called him “a patriot and everyone’s favourite”.
- Ghising began his career at the NEA in 1994 as an electrical engineer.
