KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Balen Shah and Rabi Lamichhane appear increasingly serious about taking action against Home Minister Sudan Gurung as public scrutiny over him intensifies.
Sources close to both leaders said preparations are underway to seek clarification from Gurung, with the possibility of action if his response is deemed unsatisfactory.
While the Prime Minister’s Secretariat has not issued a clear official stance, leaders close to the Rastriya Swatantra Party claim that the party’s disciplinary commission is also preparing to question Gurung. Officials within the commission have maintained that anyone violating party discipline will face action.
The Prime Minister’s Secretariat has also indicated that Gurung must respond to the allegations raised against him. However, it has refrained from confirming whether a formal written clarification has been sought.
According to sources, Shah and Lamichhane have already held both formal and informal discussions regarding the matter. They are said to have agreed that the Home Minister must promptly provide fact-based answers to the public concerns, failing which further steps may be necessary.
Decisive meeting yet to take place
Prime Minister Shah has conveyed that Gurung should address the allegations with credible, evidence-based explanations. Preparations are reportedly underway for a direct meeting between the Prime Minister and the Home Minister, although no date has been fixed.
“The Home Minister has been informed through the Secretariat to respond at the earliest regarding the issues raised,” a source said. “We are awaiting his explanation and supporting evidence.”
Despite mounting pressure, Gurung has yet to formally brief the Prime Minister on the controversy. Sources say both Shah and Lamichhane are under strain as the issue has begun to raise broader questions about both the government and the party.
Within the RSP, Lamichhane is reportedly inclined toward exploring alternatives to Gurung, while Prime Minister Shah is said to favor giving him an opportunity to clarify before making a final decision.
Meanwhile, second-tier party leaders have started voicing concerns informally, suggesting that an alternative should be considered if the situation worsens.
Lamichhane has already held one round of discussion with Gurung, advising him to clarify his duties, responsibilities, and the issues raised publicly.
Sources close to Baluwatar and the RSP say a decisive meeting between Shah and Lamichhane is yet to take place. “A final discussion is pending. Both leaders seem to agree that ministers must be accountable and avoid creating grounds for public controversy,” a source noted.
Gurung not preparing to resign
The Home Minister’s Secretariat has denied any knowledge of plans for resignation or removal. According to aides, Gurung is preparing to respond to the allegations with evidence and is not under pressure to step down.
“He is ready to present facts regarding the questions raised. As of now, he is not considering resignation,” a Secretariat member said, adding that Gurung believes the allegations can be addressed legally and factually.
Gurung has also responded to the accusations on social media, though his statements have drawn mixed reactions.
Cabinet meeting under watch
The issue is expected to surface in the upcoming Cabinet meeting. In a previous meeting, Prime Minister Shah had already cautioned ministers against actions that could invite public criticism, stating that those unwilling to perform should step aside.
While Shah has not yet reached a conclusion to remove Gurung, sources suggest that continued controversy could push him toward a decision soon. Earlier, Minister Dipak Sah was dismissed following controversy over an appointment issue.
With criticism now emerging from both ruling and opposition figures, pressure is mounting on Gurung. Observers note that Shah often works quietly, leaving uncertainty over what decision he may ultimately take.
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