KATHMANDU: Sudan Gurung used pointed words on social media apparently targeting Rabi Lamichhane after resigning from the post of home minister.
In a Facebook post, Gurung wrote that details about “where some journalist friends have sweat shares will gradually come out,” adding that those seeking an ideal state should also demonstrate sacrifice and moral courage.
Lamichhane, chair of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, has been linked to a 15 percent share ownership in Gorkha Media Network, which has been accused of misusing large sums of money collected from cooperatives.
The media company, associated with G.B. Rai of Okhaldhunga District, allegedly misappropriated funds brought illegally from several cooperatives. Lamichhane has been facing cases related to cooperative fraud and money laundering.
Earlier, despite public evidence of business partnership shares with businessman Deepak Bhatt, Gurung had resisted calls to resign and had described the allegations circulating in the media as a “media trial” and sponsored rumours.
However, after several meetings with Prime Minister Balendra Shah and party chair Lamichhane, Gurung eventually stepped down from the post. His remarks on social media also appeared to indirectly target Lamichhane, who himself is facing legal cases.
Earlier, Lamichhane had reportedly tried to prevent Gurung from becoming home minister. While Gurung was backed by Prime Minister Shah, Lamichhane had preferred to send Deepak Bohara to lead the Ministry of Home Affairs Nepal.
After Bohara was rejected by the prime minister, discussions were also held with Sunil Lamsal and Bikram Timalsina. However, they reportedly hesitated to take immediate legal action against leaders of older political parties.
Gurung was eventually brought into the government after expressing readiness to move ahead with arrests and intensify the government’s campaign against corruption.
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