Protests erupt across Nepal over dismissal of electricity authority chief

Widespread protests broke out across Nepal on Tuesday, March 25 following the abrupt dismissal of Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) Managing Director Kulman Ghising, who was removed from his position on Monday evening. Demonstrators clashed with security forces near the parliament in Kathmandu, demanding his reinstatement.

Tensions escalated as protestors attempted to breach restricted areas, leading to scuffles with police. Later in the evening, the All Nepal National Independent Students Union (Revolutionary) intensified the demonstrations by burning an effigy of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, denouncing the government’s decision to oust Ghising.

The decision to remove Ghising was finalized during a cabinet meeting at Singha Durbar, where Hitendra Dev Shakya was appointed as the new NEA Managing Director. Shakya, who previously held the position before being replaced by Ghising, had been involved in a prolonged legal battle over his removal. Despite 31 Supreme Court hearings, his case remained unresolved. His reappointment—just days before his original term was set to expire—has drawn widespread criticism, with many alleging political interference over institutional stability.

Reports indicate that multiple attempts were made to remove Ghising in the past, but resistance prevented his ouster. The government allegedly justified his dismissal by giving him a zero score in the 2023-24 performance evaluation, despite his own assessment reflecting 98.99% marks based on key performance indicators. In previous years, he had received 94.23% and 98.94% scores for his leadership in eliminating up to 18-hour-long power cuts and transforming Nepal’s electricity sector.

Reacting to his removal, protesters chanted slogans such as "Ujyalo Nepal Zindabad" (Long Live Bright Nepal) and "Adharo Sarkar Murdabad" (Down with the Dark Government).

"Kulman Ghising had about three months left in office, but he was removed through a political coup. With this reactionary move by Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, we are back on the streets to protect democracy," said Narayan Sharma, one of the demonstrators.