Nepal Home Minister Sudan Gurung resigns amid financial controversy

Kathmandu — Sudan Gurung stepped down from his post on Wednesday after facing mounting scrutiny over his financial dealings and alleged business links.

Gurung, who had emerged as a prominent face of Nepal’s Gen-Z political movement last September, came under the spotlight for his reported association with controversial businessman Deepak Bhatta, currently in police custody over money laundering charges.

Announcing his resignation through a Facebook post, Gurung said he was stepping aside to ensure a fair and unbiased investigation. He emphasised that maintaining public trust and ethical standards was more important than holding office.

His exit marks the second ministerial resignation within a month in the government led by Balendra Shah, which came to power on March 27 following recent elections.

Earlier, on April 9, Labour Minister Deepak Kumar Sah was removed from office after allegations that he misused his position to retain his wife, Junu Shrestha, in a government role.

The developments come at a time when the new administration has pledged to crack down on corruption. Adding to the controversy, Gurung had recently disclosed his assets, revealing substantial wealth, including land holdings, cash deposits, and company shares—reportedly beyond legal limits.

While he defended his financial status publicly, questions soon arose regarding the sources of his wealth. Further scrutiny intensified after reports surfaced about his investment in a micro-insurance firm linked to Bhatta.

Gurung was elected to Nepal’s House of Representatives from the Gorkha-1 constituency in western Nepal.

With inputs from IANS