‘For me, ethics hold more weight than any position’:Nepal’s home minister Sudan Gurung quits amid financial scrutiny

Nepal’s Home Minister Sudan Gurung resigned on Wednesday, citing moral responsibility and the need for an impartial investigation into questions raised about his financial interests. Announcing his decision in a Facebook post, Gurung said he had taken public criticism seriously and stepped down to uphold ethical standards in public life. “I have carried out my duties as Home Minister with utmost honesty since March 26, 2026. In recent days, I have taken seriously the questions and concerns raised by citizens regarding my shares and related matters,” he said. Emphasising integrity, he added that public trust must take precedence over holding office. “For me, ethics outweigh any position, and there is no power greater than public trust,” he said. Calls for transparency amid ‘Gen Z’ push Gurung referred to a growing youth-led push for accountability, saying demands for transparency and clean governance must be respected. “The current movement seeking good governance, transparency, and accountability sends a clear message: public life must be clean, and leadership must be answerable,” he said. He also invoked Nepal’s political history, stressing that accountability is essential when questions arise against a government shaped by past sacrifices. Resignation to ensure a fair probe Gurung said his resignation would allow a fair investigation and avoid any perceived conflict of interest. “To ensure an impartial inquiry into the matters concerning me, and to prevent any conflict of interest while in office, I have resigned from the post of Home Minister with immediate effect,” he said. He urged citizens, media and youth to remain committed to honesty and accountability, while also taking a swipe at sections of the media over alleged undisclosed financial interests. Political backdrop: Minister sacked earlier The resignation comes amid heightened scrutiny within the government. Earlier this month, Prime Minister Balendra Shah removed Labour Minister Deepak Kumar Sah on disciplinary grounds following a party recommendation. Officials said Sah was dismissed after being found in violation of the party’s code of conduct. A probe alleged he misused his position to continue his wife, Junu Shrestha, as a member of the Health Insurance Board, despite the body remaining largely inactive. ​