Turmoil in Nepal: Protests Erupt Over NEA Chief's Removal

Protesters in Nepal are demanding the reinstatement of Kulman Ghising as head of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) following his suspension. Ghising's removal has sparked public outrage, with demonstrations taking place in Kathmandu, clashing with police, and political criticisms over alleged manipulative evaluations to justify his dismissal.

In a surge of public discontent, demonstrators in Nepal took to the streets on Tuesday, calling for the reinstatement of Nepal Electricity Authority's (NEA) chief, Kulman Ghising, who was suspended from his position on Monday evening. Protests erupted throughout Kathmandu, with clashes reported between protesters and police forces near the parliament precincts as some attempted to breach restricted zones.

The controversy escalated when the All Nepal National Independent Students Union (Revolutionary) openly burned an effigy of Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, denouncing the decision to oust Ghising. In a cabinet meeting at Singha Durbar, authorities decided to relieve Ghising of his duties and appointed Hitendra Dev Shakya as the new Managing Director of NEA.

Shakya had previously occupied the position before being replaced by Ghising, leading to a protracted legal tussle. Despite attending 31 court hearings, Shakya's appeal against his former ousting remained unresolved, allowing his tenure to lapse. His reappointment, supported by the ruling coalition, has provoked concern over the perceived prioritization of political motives over institutional stability.

Suspicion surrounds the dismissal, with reports of artificially low performance ratings preceding Ghising's removal. Having ended prolonged power outages and revitalized Nepal's electricity sector, Ghising enjoys widespread public support. The abrupt rating of zero for the fiscal year 2023-24 contrasts sharply with previously high evaluations, raising questions on the motives behind these assessments. Protesters, representing a frustrated public, vow to continue their demonstrations to defend what they deem to be an embattled democratic process.

(With inputs from agencies.)