Dhurmus quits stadium project, blames Bharatpur for betrayal
Dhurmus, who won the hearts of millions through his social service and satire, announced his departure stating that the metropolitan repeatedly misled him and failed to release the payment guaranteed in the agreement.
KATHMANDU: Renowned Nepali comedian and social worker Sitaram Kattel ‘Dhurmus’ has officially withdrawn from the Gautam Buddha International Cricket Stadium construction project, leveling serious allegations against Bharatpur Metropolitan City.
Dhurmus, who won the hearts of millions through his social service and satire, announced his departure stating that the metropolitan repeatedly misled him and failed to release the payment guaranteed in the agreement.
“I am a patient man; I endured a lot. I have no complaints with the people of Bharatpur. But I had a clear agreement with the metropolitan. I believed I would be formally relieved of the responsibility. Yet, for five years, nothing moved forward,” Dhurmus said in an emotional statement. “I may meet the people of Bharatpur again, but this is my last visit to the metropolitan office. I will never return.”
According to a government report, the Dhurmus-Suntali Foundation still carries a financial liability of around Rs 18 crore for the ambitious stadium project.
Earlier, the government had announced a payment of Rs 15 crore through Bharatpur Metropolitan City.
However, Dhurmus claims the metropolis repeatedly sent him back, citing missing paperwork each time.
The intense pressure of the stalled project, combined with the non-cooperation from the authorities, has reportedly driven Dhurmus into severe mental stress. Adding to the distress, his only daughter is battling a long-term illness.
In a deeply emotional plea, his wife, Kunjana Ghimire (Suntali), said, “I have dragged him back from the edge many times. Now, saving him is the responsibility of the people.”
