MP Gurupasad Baral Accuses Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle of Revenue Misappropriation, Demands Parliamentary Probe

Kathmandu. Opposition party CPN (UML) MP Gurupasad Baral has made a serious allegation that Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle has misappropriated revenue and demanded the immediate formation of a parliamentary committee for investigation. 

Speaking in a special time during the House of Representatives meeting on Friday, he stated that Finance Minister Wagle misappropriated revenue by manipulating tax rates in the budget, and therefore, a parliamentary investigation committee should be formed to bring the truth to light. 

MP Baral clarified that Finance Minister Wagle cannot escape from his current mistakes and weaknesses by citing past history. Speaking in parliament, MP Baral clarified that the opposition parties are fully prepared to bring any such past incidents into the scope of investigation. 

He said, ‘Today, as the country’s Finance Minister expresses his views, he brought up some references by examining past history. I want to make a request to the Speaker – this opposition is present and ready to separate all past incidents, making clear distinctions. It wants to reveal the truth and correct mistakes. However, by citing the past, the Finance Minister has tampered with the budget rates and manipulated revenue, and one cannot escape from this.’

MP Baral asserted that a parliamentary investigation committee is essential to permanently end this alleged malpractice in the budget and tax rates. He added, ‘May the attention of the Honorable Finance Minister be drawn to this matter immediately through the Speaker. And this issue must be investigated and resolved by a parliamentary committee. Otherwise, such practices will continue, and wrong precedents and practices will be established.’

In addition, MP Baral seriously drew the attention of Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal to advance the investigation process against Finance Minister Wagle and take immediate steps in the parliament.