Sudhan Gurung: I quit to ensure fair assets probe

KATHMANDU: Former Home Minister and lawmaker of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Sudhan Gurung, has said he stepped down from his ministerial position to facilitate an impartial investigation into questions raised regarding his assets.

Addressing the first district convention of the RSP in Gorkha, Gurung said that as a public office holder, he considered it his responsibility to answer any concerns related to his conduct and wealth.

He stated that he had fully cooperated with the investigation committee and provided clear responses during questioning.

“I appeared before the investigation committee because I believe anyone serving in public office must be accountable for the questions raised about them,” Gurung said. “Some of the questions were quite tough, but I answered them openly and honestly.”

Recalling a lighter moment from the proceedings, Gurung said he jokingly challenged the committee when asked about the source of his assets.

“When the committee asked me where I had accumulated so much property from, I replied, ‘Why don’t we investigate your assets as well?’” he said.

Gurung informed party members that the committee’s report has already been submitted to the Prime Minister’s Office and expressed confidence that he would be cleared of any wrongdoing.

He also hinted at the possibility of returning to the Home Ministry if exonerated. In a lighthearted message to party supporters, he urged them not to crowd his office with congratulatory visits should he be reappointed.

“If the government appoints me Home Minister again after I am cleared, please do not come to the ministry for the first two months just to congratulate me or take photos,” he said. “I want to focus on work.”

Speaking on party organization, Gurung stressed that future district leadership should remain connected to local communities rather than being concentrated in the capital. He argued that district chairpersons should reside and work within their respective districts to strengthen grassroots engagement.

“If district leaders stay in the capital and only return to their constituencies during elections, it does not benefit the party,” he said.

During the event, Gurung also thanked the people of Gorkha for their support during his tenure as Home Minister and expressed gratitude to the voters who elected him to Parliament.