'For Me, Ethics Weigh More Than Position': Nepal Home Minister Sudan Gurung Resigns Amid Massive Controversy

Kathmandu: Sudan Gurung on Wednesday resigned from the post of Nepal's Home Minister, citing moral responsibility amid an investigation against him over alleged links with businessman Deepak Bhatta, who is under scrutiny for money laundering offences.

His resignation comes amid criticism against him for allegedly holding shares in companies linked to Bhatta and concealing financial information from his public asset declaration. Calling for his resignation, opposition party Nepali Congress had said, "Transparency and accountability are fundamental pillars of democracy. Therefore, a reliable, impartial and fact-based investigation into such matters is indispensable."

Even leaders from his own Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) had called for his resignation.

Amid mounting political pressure, Gurung announced his resignation today (Wednesday), saying that he had been “working honestly” as the Home Minister but recently questions have been raised against him over his investments, including his shares.

Stressing that for him, public trust and ethics matter more than holding the ministerial position, the 38-year-old said in a post on Facebook, "For me, ethics hold more weight than any position, and there is no power greater than public trust. The Gen Z movement that is rising in the country today demanding good governance, transparency, and accountability has also given the same message: public life should be clean, and leadership should be responsible."

The leader, who had not held the post for even one month, said he is stepping down to ensure that investigations in the case related to him can be conducted in a fair manner, without any conflict of interest.

“I have fulfilled my moral responsibility. Now, I appeal to my dear media friends, all Nepali brothers and sisters, and the youth: if we truly desire change, we must all stand on the path of truth, honesty, and self-purification. Information regarding where certain media personnel hold 'sweet shares' will eventually come to light. Those who aspire for 'Ram Rajya' (ideal governance) must also possess the courage to sacrifice and show moral strength,” his Facebbok post read.

2nd Minister Displaced

Sudan Gurung's resignation marks the displacement of the second minister of Nepal ever since the new government was formed last month. Earlier this month, Prime Minister Balendra Shah sacked Deepak Kumar Sah as the Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security.

Deepak Kumar Sah was sacked over disciplinary breach. He was accused of misusing his position to benefit his wife, Junu Shrestha, and continue her post as a member of the Health Insurance Board.

The Financial Conduct Probe

Sudan Gurung is under scrutiny for his alleged links with businessman Deepak Bhatta, who is being probed in a money laundering case.

It is also alleged that an NGO named Hami Nepal, which is headed by Gurung, received received money from questionable sources. Bhatta had allegedly made donations to Hami Nepal.

Local media has also reported that Gurung held investments in Star Micro Insurance Company Limited and Liberty Micro Life Insurance, companies which are held by Deepak Bhatta.

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