Sudan Gurung steps down as Nepal’s Home Minister to allow an impartial probe
KATHMANDU– Nepal’s Home Minister Sudan (Sudhan) Gurung has resigned from his position, stepping down less than a month after assuming office. His decision comes amid rising political pressure and public debate surrounding his personal financial investments, which recently became the subject of scrutiny.
Gurung submitted his resignation to the Prime Minister on Tuesday, stating that he chose to leave the post to ensure a fair, transparent, and unbiased investigation into questions raised about his shareholdings. He emphasized that remaining in office during the inquiry could create a conflict of interest and undermine public trust in the government.
In his statement, Gurung said that ethical responsibility must come before political power, adding that he did not want the Home Ministry to be affected by allegations directed at him. He reiterated that all of his investments—amounting to more than Rs 20 million—were made legally and were fully declared, but acknowledged that the controversy had grown to a level that required him to step aside.
Background of the Controversy
The issue gained momentum after details of Gurung’s share investments surfaced, prompting questions about whether any of the companies he invested in were linked to individuals facing financial misconduct investigations. Although Gurung maintained that his transactions were lawful, the political opposition demanded clarity and called for an independent review.
Public pressure also intensified, especially from youth groups and civil society activists who have been vocal about transparency and accountability in government. The debate quickly became a national topic, placing the Home Minister at the center of a growing political storm.
A Short but High‑Profile Tenure
Gurung, who emerged as a prominent figure during the youth‑led protests of 2025, took office as Home Minister on March 27. During his brief tenure, he oversaw several high‑visibility actions, including steps related to ongoing investigations into past protest‑related incidents and administrative reforms within the ministry.
His resignation marks the second major departure from the current cabinet within the same month, raising questions about the stability of the newly formed government and the challenges it faces in maintaining public confidence.
What Happens Next
The Prime Minister’s Office has acknowledged receiving Gurung’s resignation. With the Home Ministry now vacant, the government is expected to appoint an acting minister or nominate a replacement soon. Meanwhile, the investigation into Gurung’s financial activities is expected to continue without his involvement in government.
Political analysts say the resignation could influence public perception of the administration’s commitment to transparency, especially at a time when citizens are demanding higher standards of accountability from elected leaders.