MP Bajgain retracts statement against Minister Badri Pandey

Kathmandu, November 20 — Nepali Congress MP Rajendra Bajgain has publicly announced the retraction of his controversial statement against Badri Pandey, the Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, who is also a member of the same party.

Bajgain took to social media platform X to issue an apology, acknowledging that his remarks had caused significant distress to Minister Pandey.

In his statement, Bajgain wrote, "I held discussions regarding my comments with General Secretary Bishwaprakash Sharma and Discipline Committee Coordinator Anand Dhungana at the central office. I realized that the accusations I made caused immense pain to the Minister. Therefore, I am withdrawing my defamatory remarks. I also sincerely apologize to his family for any hurt my comments may have caused."

Previously, Bajgain had accused Minister Pandey of being involved in financial transactions linked to the operation of a casino in Bhairahawa.

The accusation drew considerable criticism and led to internal tensions within the Nepali Congress.