Sudhan Gurung, who resigned as Nepal’s Home Minister in April amidst financial controversy, is poised to reclaim the post. Prime Minister Balendra Shah has recommended Gurung’s reappointment, awaiting President Ram Chandra Poudel’s approval for the swearing-in ceremony. The decision follows a committee’s report that reportedly found no evidence of improper financial dealings by Gurung.
The official announcement is pending as the report has not been officially released, although media reports have hinted at the committee’s findings. Gurung, a prominent figure in the Gen-Z movement, stepped down to facilitate an impartial investigation into allegations against him. He is set to replace Prime Minister Shah, who has been overseeing the Home Ministry temporarily.
President Poudel will officiate the oath-taking ceremony for Gurung, with the timing yet to be finalized. Gurung’s resignation in April was prompted by scrutiny over his alleged business ties with Deepak Bhatta, a controversial businessman facing money-laundering charges. The investigation committee’s report, submitted to the Prime Minister, highlighted no direct link between Gurung and Bhatta, dispelling financial transaction suspicions.
During the inquiry, Gurung clarified his income sources, attributing them to a hotel business in Kathmandu and subsequent investments. His disclosure of significant assets, including cash deposits and shareholdings, had raised questions about his wealth origins. Gurung defended his financial status on social media, emphasizing the legitimacy of his pre-government wealth accumulation. Questions arose regarding his investments in a company associated with Bhatta, intensifying concerns about his business engagements.
Gurung, representing the Gorkha-1 constituency in western Nepal, was elected to the House of Representatives. His anticipated return to the Home Ministry signifies a significant development in Nepal’s political landscape, awaiting formal confirmation and presidential approval.
