KATHMANDU: Former Home Minister Sudan Gurung, who resigned amid mounting controversy, has remained out of the public eye nearly two weeks after stepping down, while the government is yet to appoint his successor or form a formal investigation panel.
Gurung, who had taken oath on March 27 alongside Prime Minister Balendra Shah, resigned on April 22 following allegations of financial links with controversial businessman Deepak Bhatta.
The resignation came after intense pressure from multiple quarters, including Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane and Prime Minister Shah. However, even 12 days after Gurung’s exit, the Home Ministry remains without a new minister.
Instead, Prime Minister Shah has assumed the portfolio himself, managing the Home Ministry alongside his existing responsibilities. He has simultaneously launched a nationwide drive to evict squatters, drawing both attention and criticism.
Despite Gurung’s resignation, individuals linked to his tenure appear to remain active. James Karki, who served in Gurung’s secretariat, has reportedly continued working in an unofficial capacity. He has been seen carrying a government-issued ID and coordinating with police during eviction drives in areas such as Manohara and Thapathali.
This has raised concerns about administrative accountability, especially as the government continues to operate without a designated Home Minister, an office central to the country’s internal security.
No probe committee yet
Although leaders had earlier pledged a swift investigation, no formal committee has been constituted to probe the allegations against Gurung.
RSP Chair Lamichhane had assured that a panel would be formed within days, but the delay has fueled speculation. Meanwhile, public discourse has shifted toward criticism of the government’s eviction campaign, pushing the Gurung controversy out of immediate focus.
RSP leaders claim that an informal inquiry is underway within the party. Party treasurer Lima Adhikari stated that internal mechanisms, including the party’s disciplinary commission, are reviewing the matter.
“The party is studying the issue. It is natural to conduct necessary investigations. A conclusion will be reached soon,” she said, adding that Gurung himself has called for a fair probe.
Prime Minister Shah’s secretariat has maintained that preparations are ongoing to form a formal investigation committee, though no timeline has been confirmed.
Questions over leadership and delay
The delay in appointing a new Home Minister and forming a probe panel has triggered criticism. Observers have questioned the government’s handling of a sensitive ministry responsible for national security.
While some critics allege that Gurung continues to influence the ministry informally, RSP General Secretary Bhupdev Shah has dismissed such claims as baseless, insisting that the Prime Minister is directly overseeing all responsibilities.
Possibility of comeback
Sources close to the Prime Minister indicate that Gurung could be reinstated if cleared by a probe committee. According to aides, the delay in appointing a new Home Minister may signal that the leadership is waiting for the outcome of the investigation.
“There is a strong possibility of his return if he is proven innocent,” a source said, adding that forming the probe committee remains the immediate priority.
Gurung himself is said to have expressed willingness to return to office if cleared. Party insiders claim that both Lamichhane and Shah have given a green signal for his reinstatement under such circumstances.
Since his resignation, Gurung has not appeared in public, prompting curiosity about his whereabouts. His secretariat says he remains in Kathmandu and is engaged in routine work, while pushing for a formal investigation into the allegations.
“He wants a fair probe at the earliest. He does not wish to remain in a controversial position,” a source close to him said.
Internal differences emerge
Following Gurung’s resignation, extended discussions reportedly took place between Prime Minister Shah and RSP chief Lamichhane. While both had earlier agreed not to appoint a new Home Minister until the investigation concludes, recent developments suggest diverging approaches.
Lamichhane is said to be considering alternative candidates due to the ministry’s workload, whereas Shah appears inclined to retain the portfolio temporarily while awaiting the probe outcome.
Gurung’s resignation followed revelations of investment in companies linked to Bhatta’s group, which is currently under investigation by authorities. Additional criticism had earlier surfaced over allegations of overreach, erratic directives, and questionable asset disclosures.
Although Gurung has consistently denied wrongdoing, sources suggest that the likelihood of him receiving a clean chit remains uncertain.
With no probe committee in place and no new Home Minister appointed, the situation continues to raise questions about governance, accountability, and political decision-making at the highest level.
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