Weeks after stepping down from one of the government’s most powerful positions, Sudan Gurung has returned to the Cabinet and will once again lead the Home Ministry following a fresh expansion of Prime Minister Balen Shah’s government.
The decision has brought renewed attention to unresolved questions surrounding Gurung’s previous resignation and the standards of accountability expected from public office holders.
The oath-taking ceremony, scheduled for 3 pm at the Presidential Office in Shital Niwas, began nearly an hour and a half late. Gurung and Member of Parliament Mahabir Pun were both present for the ceremony.
Pun, widely known for his long-standing work in technology and innovation, has been appointed Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation. His entry into government comes at a time when expectations are growing for stronger state support for research, digital transformation and innovation-driven development.
Return After Resignation
Gurung had resigned after serving only 26 days as Home Minister.
His departure followed allegations that certain investments and liabilities were not disclosed in the property details he submitted after assuming office. Public scrutiny focused on shares purchased in Star Micro Insurance and Liberty Insurance, which were not reflected in the asset declaration despite information about the investments becoming public.
Questions were also raised about loans reportedly taken to purchase those shares. Documents that later surfaced fueled concerns over whether both the investments and related debts had been fully disclosed.
The explanations offered at the time did little to settle the issue and instead intensified public discussion over transparency and disclosure obligations for ministers.
When announcing his resignation, Gurung said he was taking moral responsibility and called for an independent investigation into the matter.
Accountability Questions Remain
His reappointment places those earlier concerns back at the centre of political debate.
The government has not introduced a new public explanation alongside the decision, leaving attention focused on whether any investigation into the allegations has been completed and how the administration intends to address concerns about transparency in public office.
For many, the issue extends beyond one minister. It touches on broader questions about political accountability, public trust and the government’s stated commitment to clean governance.
Focus Shifts to Government’s Next Steps
Pun’s appointment is being viewed through a different lens, with interest centred on what initiatives the new ministry leadership may pursue in science, technology and innovation.
But Gurung’s return is likely to dominate political discussion in the coming days.
The immediate challenge for the government is not only defending the decision but also demonstrating how concerns that led to Gurung’s resignation were addressed before he was brought back to lead the Home Ministry once again.
