Nepal’s Home Minister, Sudan Gurung, announced his resignation this week amid mounting criticism over his financial transactions, just weeks after taking office on an anti-corruption platform.
The 38-year-old minister announced his decision on social media, saying he wanted to ensure a fair and impartial investigation into the allegations against him. “I have resigned from the position of Home Minister with effect from today," he wrote, adding that stepping down would avoid any conflict of interest or influence on the inquiry.
Gurung said he had taken public concerns about his investments, including shares, seriously. Stressing the importance of integrity in public life, he wrote, “For me, ethics is greater than position, and there is no greater force than public trust."
In addition, public anger is mounting in Nepal against the government led by Balen Shah, less than a month after it assumed office with a two-thirds majority.
One of the key triggers for the protests is the government’s decision to impose a mandatory customs duty on goods worth over Rs 100 brought in from India. Residents in border areas say the move directly affects their daily lives, as they rely heavily on cross-border purchases for essential items.
Another major source of anger is the government’s alleged move to reject or sideline student unions affiliated with political groups. Student leaders have accused the government of adopting a “repressive approach” instead of engaging in dialogue, fuelling resentment among the youth.
