Minister Pandey denies bribery allegations, threatens to quit politics if proven

Kathmandu, November 12 — Nepali Congress General Secretary and Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, Badri Pandey, has stated that he will never make any agreements with brokers or middlemen.

This statement comes after party MP Rajendra Bajagain accused him of accepting bribes to grant a casino license.

Speaking at an event organized in the capital on Tuesday to mark the Golden Jubilee of Nepal Bidhyashram Culture Secondary School, Minister Pandey expressed that, despite his efforts to work honestly, interest groups were attempting to corner him.

He said, "Earlier, those involved in politics were strong, but now I see that powerful interest groups have taken over. In the past three to four months, while I have been working sincerely, some agents of these groups have been working to demoralize me, to undermine my confidence and self-esteem."

Pandey also stated that while he had been accused of accepting millions, he was ready to quit politics if the allegations were proven true. "I can stand in front of the Pashupatinath Temple and vow that if the accusations of having taken millions are proven—accusations made by some brokers using online platforms—I will renounce my political career in front of Pashupatinath’s doors," he added.

Earlier, MP Bajagain had accused Pandey of accepting a bribe from the operator of Royal Tiger Recreation for granting a casino license. During his accusations, Bajgain remarked, “How does a minister living in a rented room buy a house as soon as he becomes a minister?"