The Tamesis
April 23, 2026
kathmandu – Home Minister Sultan Gurung resigned on Wednesday.
His resignation comes amid controversy in recent days over his alleged business relationship with businessman Deepak Bhatta, who is under investigation for money laundering offences.
Gurung announced his resignation via social media. He wrote on Facebook: “In order to ensure an impartial investigation into matters relating to me and to avoid any conflict of interest or any impact on the process while in office, I have resigned as Home Affairs Minister with effect from today.”
The interior minister also said he takes seriously questions raised by the public in recent days about his investments, including stocks.
“For me, ethics is more important than status, and there is no force more powerful than public trust. The ongoing Gen Z movement in the country is demanding good governance, transparency and accountability, and the message is that public life must be clean and leadership must be accountable. If anyone questions this government that was formed on the blood and sacrifice of my 46 brothers and sisters, the answer is ethics.”
He has said he would cooperate with the investigation after coming under scrutiny over his alleged business ties to Bata.
Gurung posted on Facebook on Monday that there were “many rumors” and stressed the need to distinguish between fact and speculation. “Allegations and truth are not the same thing. Decisions should be based on evidence, not emotions,” he said, adding that he would “fully abide by every decision made by the party” and cooperate with investigations.
This is the second resignation of a minister in the current government led by Balendra Shah. On April 9, Prime Minister Shah sacked Deepak Kumar Sah, then Minister of Labour, Employment and Social Security, after his Rastriya Swatantra Party recommended his dismissal for “violation of its code of conduct and discipline”.
Saah was removed from his post after party chairman Rabi Lamichane issued a formal letter based on the findings of the party’s Central Disciplinary Committee, saying Saah abused his power by allowing his wife, Junu Shrestha, to continue serving as a member of the health insurance committee. This position has been largely inactive for a long time.
