Sudurpaschim Minister faces ouster over power tiller scam
As the controversy escalated, Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah reportedly asked him to resign, citing a moral crisis.
KATHMANDU: Rameshwar Chaudhary, Minister for Industry, Tourism, Forests, and Environment in Sudurpaschim Province, is on the verge of being removed from office less than a month after his appointment, following serious allegations of corruption involving the distribution of subsidized power tillers.
Chaudhary, who was appointed on Jestha 4 from the Nagarik Unmukti Party (NUP), allegedly took money from farmers in various districts under the promise of providing power tillers at subsidized rates.
As the controversy escalated, Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah reportedly asked him to resign, citing a moral crisis.
Confirming the development, NUP lawmaker Khushiram Dagoura Tharu said, “It is inappropriate to remain in office when embroiled in such a controversy. Resignation is the most dignified path. If the investigation clears him, his political career can still be safeguarded. Dismissal, on the other hand, sends the wrong message.”
The Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police has launched a probe into the power tiller subsidy scam, in which Chaudhary’s name has been linked, according to lawmakers.
Additionally, a complaint has been filed with the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA), intensifying the seriousness of the case.
An NUP lawmaker revealed that complaints had emerged from individuals across Kailali to Dang districts, alleging that Chaudhary had collected money from them. “People who had paid started crowding the ministry daily. Then he went out of contact, even switching off his phone. Eventually, victims approached the police,” the lawmaker said. “His intentions appeared questionable, leaving resignation as the only viable option.”
Recurring Scandals in the Same Ministry
This is not the first time the ministry has faced such controversies. Chaudhary’s predecessor, Laxman Kishor Chaudhary, also from NUP, had to step down over allegations of financial irregularities while drafting forestry procedures.
Repeated corruption allegations within the same ministry and from the same party have raised serious ethical concerns for both the Nagarik Unmukti Party and the Sudurpaschim provincial government.
