POKHARA: Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Narayan Kaji Shrestha expressed dissatisfaction with individuals with a political background being associated with corruption, emphasizing that leaders engaged in such activities create a commotion and discourage well-intentioned actions.

Addressing the Gandaki Province-level security conference in Pokhara on Friday, Minister Shrestha conveyed his distress over individuals with political affiliations being implicated in corrupt practices.

“If someone with a political background is found involved in corruption or wrongdoing, leaders will be held accountable—whether they belong to our party, alliance, or the opposition. This is unacceptable,” he said, adding, “We will not tolerate such behavior anymore. Just as employees face consequences for their mistakes, leaders will face accountability.”

Furthermore, Minister Shrestha initiated a discussion on the tendency of businesspeople and entrepreneurs to engage in criminal activities.

He stated, “Businesspeople and entrepreneurs may commit crimes, but when action is taken against them, they start making statements. We hear statements like, ‘We contribute to taxes; we drive the economy.’ However, without the support of the private sector, Nepal’s economy cannot move positively. However, it doesn’t mean anyone can exploit the state. We are implementing taxes, contributing to the economy, and we expect cooperation from the private sector. However, no one is allowed to plunder the state.”

The Home Minister urged for a collaborative effort to lead Nepal’s economy positively without relying on private sector support. However, he emphasized that no one will be allowed to take advantage of the state.