Nepal’s Home Minister Sudan Gurung has resigned amid mounting criticism over his financial transactions, just weeks after taking office on an anti-corruption platform.

The 38-year-old leader announced his resignation via social media, stating that he stepped down to ensure a “fair investigation” into allegations surrounding his assets and financial dealings. “For me, morality is greater than a position and there is no greater power than public trust,” he wrote.

According to The Straits Times, Gurung had come under increasing scrutiny over his investments and alleged links to a businessman being investigated for money laundering, despite earlier dismissing the claims as “rumours” lacking evidence.

Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s office confirmed that the resignation has been formally received. Gurung is now the second minister to leave the newly formed government, following the earlier dismissal of the labour minister over code of conduct violations.

Gurung rose to prominence during the mass protests in September 2025 that led to the fall of the previous administration. The demonstrations, initially sparked by a brief social media ban, quickly escalated into broader unrest over corruption and economic hardship. At least 76 people were killed and more than 2,500 injured during two days of intense violence.

He later joined the Rastriya Swatantra Party in January and secured a parliamentary seat in the March elections, which brought the party to power in a landslide victory. Shortly after assuming office, Gurung drew national attention by ordering the arrest of former prime minister K. P. Sharma Oli and ex-home minister Ramesh Lekhak over their alleged roles in the deadly protest crackdown.

His resignation marks a significant early challenge for the new government, which had campaigned heavily on transparency and accountability.

BOB Post