Ministers from Rastriya Swatantra Party face mounting controversies

Kathmandu. Ministers appointed from the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), which campaigned on the slogan of 'choosing the knowledgeable,' are increasingly being dragged into one controversy after another.

Within a month of the government's formation, three ministers have already been embroiled in disputes. One has lost their position, while another has been cautioned as a disciplinary measure.

Among those who lost their position is former Labor Minister Deepak Sah. Health Minister Nisha Mehta is among those who faced disciplinary action. Before the controversies surrounding these two ministers could subside, another powerful minister, Sudhan Gurung, has been dragged into a dispute. Gurung had previously been involved in the Phewa Lake land case, but that matter had faded away.

Home Minister Sudhan Gurung's increased activity, reaches Budhanilkantha to meet Chairman Rabi Lamichhane

Upon becoming Home Minister, Sudhan gained attention for high-profile arrests. Having arrested influential individuals and leaders, including former Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, and prominent middleman Deepak Bhatta, Sudhan himself has now been embroiled in controversy after it was discovered that he is a shareholder in a partner company of the same middleman, Bhatta. However, leaders within the RSP suggest that it will not be easy for Gurung to escape this case as he did the Phewa Lake incident.

• What is the reason for Gurung being dragged into the controversy?

Deepak Bhatta, who was in police custody during a money laundering investigation, was arrested a few weeks ago. However, after it was revealed that Gurung had connections with Bhatta, questions have been raised regarding his ethics and financial conduct.

Not only that, Gurung, who often gives loud slogans of good governance and tries to portray himself as a social worker, faced questions from many when his unusual assets were revealed during the public disclosure of the property details of the Prime Minister and ministers a few days ago. However, Gurung did not want to answer the questions raised against him. Having been running away from one question after another, it appears that the connection with middleman Bhatta will cost Gurung more than previous incidents.

According to public facts, Gurung is seen as a partner alongside Bhatta and Sulav Agrawal in 'Star Micro Insurance Company Limited'.

Demand for immediate dismissal of Home Minister Sudhan Gurung

Bhatta and Agrawal are in custody during the money laundering investigation. Sudhan's name appears at number 49 on the initial share registration list of the insurance company. It appears that he has invested 2.5 million rupees in shares in that company. The company is a life insurance company that received its license in 2079 BS. In the company, which has yet to issue an IPO, it is seen that Infinity Holdings, a company invested in by Deepak Bhatta, the Jagdamba Group, and the Shankar Group, have investments. Their directors are currently in police custody during the money laundering investigation.

Home Minister Gurung revealed to be Deepak Bhatta's partner, shares worth 2.5 million missing from asset details

However, although shares were seen in the insurance company, Sudhan had not disclosed them in his property details. In the property details submitted by Sudhan to the Office of the Prime Minister and Council of Ministers, he had only mentioned founder share investments in companies named Hope Holdings and Anuj Premium Apartments.

• How did Deepak lose his ministerial post?

Deepak Kumar Sah, who took the oath as Minister of Labor, Employment and Social Security on Chaitra 13 in the government led by senior RSP leader Balendra (Balen) Shah, lost his position on Chaitra 26 after being dragged into controversy within two weeks of taking office.

Along with Deepak, Health Minister Nisha Mehta was also dragged into controversy over her appointment. The RSP has already cautioned Mehta. Mehta had decided to continue Minister Sah's wife, Junu Shrestha, as a member of the Health Insurance Board under pressure from Minister Sah.

Labor Minister Deepak Kumar Sah removed from office

Following the controversies involving Sah and Mehta, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) decided to recall Sah on Chaitra 26 and cautioned Mehta on the same day.

Immediately after the party's decision, Prime Minister Balendra Shah removed Minister Sah from his post. Following Sah's removal, Ramji Yadav was appointed as the Labor Minister on Chaitra 27.