The long-running tension between Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation Minister Dipak Khadka and Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) Managing Director Kulman Ghising has flared again. On Tuesday, Minister Khadka asked for a fresh 24-hour explanation from Ghising, questioning why he should not be removed from his position despite ongoing criticism.

Khadka’s latest directive requires Ghising to provide a detailed response within 24 hours, particularly focusing on the Nepal-India bilateral electricity exchange agreement. Khadka raised concerns over authority to enter into such agreements, and questioned how Ghising gained the power to sign such an agreement without the approval of relevant ministries. Further, the minister sought clarification on the financial responsibility tied to this deal.

Additionally, Minister Khadka pressed Ghising for details over his international and internal travel, requesting information on how many trips, including leaves, Ghising had taken since Khadka’s appointment as the chairman of the NEA board.

This new demand for clarification is not the first time Minister Khadka has sought answers from Ghising. In January, Khadka sent a nine-point request for an explanation, to which Ghising responded on January 12. However, Khadka said Ghising’s previous explanation was unsatisfactory.

The confrontation between Minister Khadka and Ghising has grown more intense over the past few months, with both parties accusing each other of inefficiency and poor management. While Khadka has been a sharp critic of Ghising, the latter’s successful tenure—marked by a significant reduction in the country's load-shedding and the revival of the NEA, which had been on the brink of collapse—has earned him widespread public support.

Despite ongoing efforts by certain businessmen and entrepreneurs to reportedly influence government officials, including Prime Minister KP Oli and Minister Khadka, Ghising continues to receive backing from the public and opposition parties. Even some lawmakers within the ruling CPN-UML and Nepali Congress believe removing Ghising would deal a severe blow to the government’s credibility.

While the pressure on Ghising remains high, his position at the NEA has so far been unaffected. The outcome of this latest round of exchanges will likely have significant consequences on the future of both Ghising and the NEA, as well as the political dynamics in the government.