MP Parajuli demands action on Rs 10B airport corruption scandal

KATHMANDU: Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) lawmaker Ganesh Parajuli has challenged the government to take bold action against those implicated in a massive corruption scandal involving over Rs 10 billion at Pokhara Regional International Airport.

Speaking at Sunday’s session of the House of Representatives, MP Parajuli directly questioned Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s resolve, urging the formation of a high-level empowered judicial committee to investigate and prosecute the guilty parties.

Parajuli highlighted that although the airport was constructed under a Rs 22 billion loan agreement, the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament has uncovered irregularities amounting to more than Rs 10 billion.

He expressed concern that such large-scale corruption has tarnished Nepal’s international image.

“The runway at the airport could not be built to the required length, yet the list of corrupt practices has grown even longer,” Parajuli remarked sarcastically, noting that the issue has gained repeated attention in international circles.

He further slammed the government for turning a blind eye to corruption that is happening “right under its nose,” warning that the world is becoming increasingly aware of Nepal’s governance failures. “Will you keep fooling your party cadres, or will you finally act?” he asked the Prime Minister.

A subcommittee under the parliamentary Public Accounts Committee has already submitted a report confirming large-scale financial misconduct in the construction of the airport.