KATHMANDU: CPN-Maoist Centre MP Aman Lal Modi has demanded the resignation of Rishikesh Pokhrel, chair of the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).
During a PAC meeting held on Monday at Singha Durbar, MP Modi criticized Pokhrel, claiming the committee appears as an extension of the government.
Modi argued that Pokhrel should step aside as allegations of financial misconduct have surfaced against him and his family.
He also emphasized the need for the opposition to lead the PAC.
Similarly, UML MP Yogesh Bhattarai stated that issues of financial dealings involving the chair must be clarified.
Bhattarai noted that addressing such allegations would establish a stronger position for the committee to oversee and regulate others.
He further suggested that the matter be referred for judicial resolution and stressed the need for political consensus to address the leadership issue.
In response, Rishikesh Pokhrel stated that he has already addressed the allegations raised against him at various levels and is ready to face any legal examination.
However, he refrained from commenting further during the committee meeting.
Pokhrel also expressed his willingness to accept any decision made through political consensus regarding the chairmanship.
The meeting, held after a gap of nearly four months, briefly discussed the progress review of irregularities.
Pokhrel assured that the committee would now focus on becoming more active.
Meanwhile, a fraud case involving Pokhrel’s wife, Anjila Koirala, and 25 others has been registered at the Morang District Court.
The case pertains to financial fraud in Uma Gauri Agriculture Cooperative, and Anjila has been accused under Section 122 of the Cooperative Act, 2074.
Anjila Koirala remains at large, and Pokhrel has yet to provide a statement regarding the matter.
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