Nepal’s Interior Minister Resigns Amid Financial Probe

Following the recent youth-led protests that ousted Nepal’s previous administration, the new government, built on an anti-corruption pledge, has seen two ministers resign within weeks. Sudan Gurung, the Minister of Home Affairs, announced his departure to guarantee “a fair investigation” into his financial matters. This marks the second high-profile exit from the government led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah since the country’s parliamentary elections last month.

Resignation to Ensure Impartial Review

Gurung, 38, stated his decision to step down as interior minister to allow an unbiased examination of his stock market investments and other financial dealings. He emphasized that “morality is greater than office” and “public trust is the highest power,” reflecting his commitment to transparency. Gurung’s resignation comes after he played a key role in the Gen Z protests and later oversaw the arrests of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and his predecessor in the interior ministry, Ramesh Lehkak, for their involvement in the security forces’ response to demonstrations.

In his Wednesday statement, Gurung linked his resignation to the public’s demand for accountability, noting, “If anyone questions the government formed on the blood and sacrifice of my 46 brothers and sisters, the answer is morality.” His actions underscore the ongoing scrutiny of leaders who rose to power amid anti-corruption fervor.

Prime Minister’s Rise and Reforms

Balendra Shah, 35, assumed leadership after his Rastriya Swatantra Party secured 182 parliamentary seats out of 275 in last month’s elections. The party’s platform includes pledges to combat corruption and promote transparency. Shah, a former rapper and Kathmandu mayor, gained recognition for his urban reforms during his three-year tenure as mayor. However, his government has already faced challenges, including the dismissal of labor minister Dipak Kumar Sah for allegedly using his position to secure his wife a board role at the health insurance agency.

Dipa Dahal, an advisor to Shah, informed Reuters that Gurung had submitted his resignation to the prime minister, who will temporarily manage the home ministry. The political shifts highlight the pressure on leaders to uphold the ideals that propelled their rise to power.

“For me, morality is greater than office, and there is no greater power than public trust,” Gurung wrote on Facebook.