Ujyalo Nepal Party’s patron Kulman Ghising has called on alternative political forces to come together, saying the public expects unity among non-traditional political actors.

Speaking at a programme organised by the party in Pokhara, Ghising, a sitting minister for energy, water resources and irrigation, said his party was ready to work with others without compromising its dignity or self-respect.

“All alternative forces should, as far as possible, unite. If that is not possible, they should move forward through a functional unity,” he said. “At present, the Nepalis want to see alternative forces united. We need to understand that sentiment and move ahead accordingly.”

Ghising stressed that any form of unity or cooperation must be respectful. “The Ujyalo Nepal Party is always ready to cooperate with everyone in a dignified and self-respecting manner, without erasing its own identity,” he said. “We believe in moving forward through cooperation, and many discussions are already taking place in that direction.”

His remarks come amid growing interest over his position following a recent understanding between the Rastriya Swatantra Party and Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balendra Shah. Although there had been speculation that Ghising would also be part of that understanding, he ultimately remained outside the agreement.

According to meeting sources, Ghising had joined the initial phase of discussions between Rastriya Swatantra Party leaders and Mayor Shah on Saturday. However, he left the venue later that night while the talks were still ongoing.

Since then, there has been public curiosity about how Ghising would respond to the development. His statement in Pokhara is seen as his first clear public position, emphasising unity among alternative forces but underscoring that such cooperation must be grounded in mutual and self-respect.