Home Minister defends govt’s handling of Ganesh Nepali case

KATHMANDU: Home Minister Sudan Gurung on Friday defended the government’s handling of the Ganesh Nepali case, telling the House of Representatives that authorities made every possible effort to save the 25-year-old from Mugu and had no reason to mislead Parliament or the public.

Responding to questions raised by lawmakers over Nepali’s death, Gurung said the government acted swiftly after the incident.

“We made tireless efforts. We arranged a Shree Airlines aircraft and obtained the necessary clearance. However, doctors advised that he first needed to be stabilized because his blood pressure was critically low,” Gurung said.

He added that the government fulfilled its responsibility throughout the treatment process.

“On behalf of the Government of Nepal, we did not shirk our responsibility even by an inch. We did everything we could. Despite our best efforts, our brother Ganesh Nepali is no longer with us,” he said.

Gurung said he understood the concerns raised by lawmakers but rejected allegations that the government had failed to act or had concealed information.

“I do not feel like lying. If I lie in this august House, I would be lying to the entire Nepali people,” he said.

The Home Minister also appealed to lawmakers not to politicize the tragedy and urged all parties to work together, saying the public expects cooperation rather than confrontation.

He further stressed that public service requires action rather than rhetoric and called for maintaining the dignity of Parliament.

Addressing criticism over the circumstances surrounding Thursday’s incident, Gurung also questioned the role of local authorities, noting that Kathmandu Metropolitan City is responsible for several local administrative functions.

“We have a three-tier system of government. Every level has its own responsibilities,” he said, adding that the federal government is implementing laws enacted by previous governments.

During his address, Gurung repeatedly became emotional while recounting the government’s efforts to save Nepali and defending his ministry’s response.