Nepal, Jan. 10 -- Former Ujyaalo Nepal Party (UNP) patron Kulman Ghising has officially returned to lead the party as chairman after breaking away from the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP).

Kulman reclaimed his party and its iconic election symbol-a lit bulb-less than two weeks after an unsuccessful unity attempt that had sought to position the combined force as a strong alternative in Nepal's political landscape.

Immediately following the split, Ghising was declared chairman by a central committee meeting of the Ujyalo Nepal Party, succeeding Anup Kumar Upadhyay.

The rupture with the RSP stemmed from disputes over leadership positions, proportional representation seats and broader organisational issues. Under the unity deal, Ghising was...