The Man Who Ended Blackouts: Who Is Kulman Ghising, Now Frontrunner For Nepal’s Interim PM?

Last Updated:September 11, 2025, 16:31 IST

A respected former chief of the Nepal Electricity Authority, credited with ending daily power cuts, Kulman Ghising has emerged as the leading name backed by Gen Z protesters

Kulman Ghising. (AFP)

Nepal’s political vacuum has deepened after Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned following protests over corruption and the government’s ban on social media. The unrest, led by the Gen Z movement, left dozens dead and forced the Army to impose curfews across Kathmandu Valley.

In the search for an interim leader, Kathmandu mayor Balen Shah and former Chief Justice Sushila Karki were among the first names considered. Shah declined to pursue the role, while Karki faced objections over constitutional restrictions and her age. Businessman Durga Prasai and parliamentarian Sumana Shrestha were also discussed, but a consensus could not be built.

Against this backdrop, Kulman Ghising’s name has emerged. Protesters have described him as “a patriot and everyone’s favourite". His reputation for honesty and results, coupled with his distance from party politics, has turned him into the most acceptable face for the movement demanding a clean break.

Early Life And Education

Born on 25 November 1970 in Bethan village of Ramechhap district, Ghising studied electrical engineering on a scholarship at the Regional Institute of Technology, in Jamshedpur, India. He later specialised in power systems engineering at Pulchowk Engineering College under Tribhuvan University, and went on to complete an MBA to strengthen his managerial credentials.

Climbing The Power Sector Ranks

Ghising began his career at the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) in 1994 and rose through the organisation. He was appointed NEA managing director (MD) on 14 September 2016. At the time, he was project chief of the Rahughat Hydroelectric Project and had previously headed Chilime Hydropower Company. After completing his first stint, he was replaced in 2020 but returned as MD on 11 August 2021.

Ending The Era Of Daily Blackouts

When the cabinet appointed Ghising as NEA managing director in September 2016, Nepal was enduring up to 18 hours of daily blackouts. Ghising immediately set about ending the practice of guaranteeing uninterrupted power only to a few industries, redistributing electricity more equitably to the public. This policy shift quickly reduced outages in major cities, and over time, the era of prolonged load-shedding came to an end.

The turnaround made Ghising a household name and a symbol of effective administration in a country weary of crisis management.

The 2025 Dismissal And Backlash

Despite his popularity, Ghising was removed from his position on 24 March 2025, just months before his tenure was due to conclude in August. He was replaced by Hitendra Dev Shakya. The decision triggered widespread criticism and protests. Opposition leaders, civil society groups, and ordinary citizens questioned the move, pointing out his role in resolving the country’s power shortage.

According to The Himalayan Times, Ghising’s independent style had put him at odds with Energy Minister Deepak Khadka, contributing to his dismissal. The backlash that followed only reinforced his image as a non-partisan professional who had delivered results.

Why Gen Z Wants Him At The Helm

Ghising’s reputation as a results-oriented administrator with a clean image has elevated him above partisan divides. According to Mint, Ghising himself called for an interim cabinet made up of individuals with clean reputations, inclusion of Gen Z voices, and immediate elections.

For young protesters demanding accountability, this stance aligned with their own agenda. Combined with his track record and reputation for honesty, it propelled Ghising into the role of consensus candidate.

Where Things Stand Now

While Ghising has emerged as the frontrunner, no official appointment has been made. Alongside him, names like Balen Shah, Sushila Karki and parliamentarian Sumana Shrestha were also discussed. As curfews and prohibitory orders continue in Kathmandu Valley and the protest toll rises, the interim leadership question remains central to Nepal’s fragile transition.

Karishma Jain

Karishma Jain, Chief Sub Editor at News18.com, writes and edits opinion pieces on a variety of subjects, including Indian politics and policy, culture and the arts, technology and social change. Follow her @kar...Read More

Karishma Jain, Chief Sub Editor at News18.com, writes and edits opinion pieces on a variety of subjects, including Indian politics and policy, culture and the arts, technology and social change. Follow her @kar...

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