NC demands impartial probe into the Home Minister’s assets

The Nepali Congress (NC) has called for creating an appropriate environment to ensure that investigations remain independent, impartial and free from influence amid the recent controversy surrounding assets declared by Home Minister Sudan Gurung. The government last week disclosed the property details of the sitting members of the Balendra Shah cabinet as per the Rastirya Swatantra Party’s earlier commitment.

Issuing a statement Nepali Congress spokesperson Devraj Chalise said, that the party has taken clear position regarding the source of the minister’s assets based on credible facts. “Transparency and accountability are two fundamental pillars of democracy. Therefore a reliable, impartial and act based investigation in the matter is indispensable, he pointed out.

Referring to the latest developments involving Home Minister Gurung’s property details, the NC said the issue has raised not only public concern but also serious questions related to political ethics and transparency. The party noted that continuing in office during such a situation could create concerns about potential direct or indirect influence over the investigation process indirectly calling for his resignation.

“It is natural for questions to arise regarding possible influence while holding the concerned position. Hence, an enabling environment must be ensured to make the investigation independent, impartial and free from any influence,” reads the statement.

The main opposition party also urged the government to immediately initiate an independent, impartial and high-level probe into all allegations related to the home minister. Meanwhile, Home Minister Sudhan Gurung has made it clear that his property statement clearly explains the matters surrounding the Rs. 2.5 million share investment made by him. The details of the property statement is available through the website of the Council of Ministers, he pointed out. It is not a crime to invest in the share and all the share transactions are made through banking channel he clarified.