Nepal Home Minister Sudan Gurung steps down amid corruption charges

Kathmandu: There is big news amid public dissatisfaction with the government of Prime Minister Balen Shah in Nepal. Nepal's Home Minister Sudan Gurung has resigned. Gurung has been facing various charges ranging from disproportionate assets to money laundering. He is also accused of buying shares of companies linked to the controversial businessman. Gurung has submitted his resignation to PM Balen Shah. He gave information about his resignation through social media.

Why did Sudan Gurung resign?

Nepal PM Balen Shah had formed the Council of Ministers on the same day as his appointment and appointed Gurung as the Home Minister. Gurung, who came into limelight by arresting several top employees as soon as he assumed office, has been at the center of a spate of criticism in recent times.

What did Sudan Gurung say?

"I have been working honestly as Home Minister. In recent times, I have taken seriously the questions, comments and public concerns raised on topics like my shares etc. For me, morality is more important than position and there is no greater power than public trust. Today, the Gen-Z movement rising in the country demanding good governance, transparency and accountability also gives the same message that public life should be clean and leadership should be accountable," Sudan Gurung said in a statement on social media.

"If anyone raises questions on the government formed on the basis of the blood and sacrifice of my 46 brothers and sisters, then the answer should be morality. Therefore, there should be an impartial investigation on the issues related to me and no conflict of interest should be seen while in office. This should not have any impact on the investigation. For this purpose, I have resigned from the post of Home Minister with effect from today. I have fulfilled my moral responsibility. Now my request is to journalist friends, common Nepali brothers and sisters and youth. If we really want change, we have to stand on the path of truth, honesty and self-purification. It will also gradually come to light where some media persons have 'sweet shares'. Those who wish for Ramrajya will have to show sacrifice and moral courage. I am resigning for the sake of my country, for the honor of our security forces and for the youth of Nepal," he added.

The Balen Shah-led government of Nepal is embroiled in controversies. Not even a month has passed since Balen Shah assumed power, but public dissatisfaction against him has started increasing. In many cities including Kathmandu, students, political parties and common people are protesting on the streets. Nepal government has increased the custom duty on goods coming from India. Nepal government has imposed duty on goods costing more than Rs 100. This is affecting the prices of everyday goods.