Kathmandu: Kulman Ghising, who resigned from his post as Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation, as well as Physical Infrastructure and Transport and Urban Development, has clarified that his decision was not an act of escape or avoidance of responsibility, but a step taken to uphold self-respect, ethics and commitment to the people.

Addressing a press conference after resigning from the government formed after the Genji Movement, Ghising said that dignity is greater than any position and the people are bigger than the government.

“My resignation is neither running away nor turning my back on responsibility,” he said. “It is a continuation of my self-respect, ethics, principles and commitment to the people. I believe that principles are more valuable than office. Self-respect is above the chair, and the people are greater than the government.”

Ghising stated that he accepted the ministerial post at the request of the Prime Minister and in line with the aspirations of the Genji Movement. He expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for trusting him and to the youth who supported change. He also clarified that although there was an understanding between the Ujjaya Nepal Party and the Rastriya Swatantra Party, he has not formally taken membership of any party so far.

He dismissed claims that he resigned due to pressure to appoint “his own people,” calling such allegations misleading. Recalling past practices where leaders contested elections while holding office in interim and election governments, he urged the public not to see his resignation as unusual.

Despite serving only 115 days, Ghising said his tenure laid a strong foundation for policy reform. He highlighted key achievements, including the expansion of irrigation to 22,500 hectares through 500 deep tube wells in Sarlahi and Rautahat, preparations to ensure farmers’ investment in projects such as Ranijamara Kulariya, creation of conditions for an additional 5,000 megawatts of electricity import-export through Nepal-India transmission lines, and expansion of electricity exports to Bangladesh.

He also said stalled infrastructure projects were revived by terminating sick contracts, giving momentum to projects such as Sunkoshi–Marine, Kankai Bridge, Hulaki Highway and Kamala Bridge. According to him, Bancharedanda waste management, Melamchi drinking water, Kodari checkpoint and the BP Highway have also come into operation.

Ghising further claimed that effective disaster preparedness and timely intervention during the monsoon helped avert major losses, proving that the state’s presence was not merely symbolic.

He said that even after leaving office, he would remain committed to national interest, the people’s cause and the path of truth, and would continue a strong political journey toward building a prosperous Nepal.

Ghising submitted his resignation to Prime Minister Sushila Karki at the Prime Minister’s residence in Baluwatar. He had been appointed minister on Bhadra 30 and was simultaneously handling three ministries.

According to the Prime Minister’s Secretariat, Prime Minister Karki congratulated and thanked Ghising for his effective leadership during the three-and-a-half-month tenure. She said he joined the government during a difficult time, worked tirelessly across the country, remained active during disasters, and took bold steps to address weaknesses in development and construction. “The country will remember this, and the people will evaluate it,” she said.

Ghising expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for the opportunity to serve during the interim period.

Meanwhile, an agreement has been reached to merge the Ujjaya Nepal Party, where Ghising serves as patron, with the Rastriya Swatantra Party. Under the agreement, Ghising is set to become a vice-chairperson of the Rastriya Swatantra Party.