Federal Minister for Federal Affairs and General Administration Rajkumar Gupta has resigned after an audio recording surfaced alleging his involvement in corruption. Gupta formally submitted his resignation to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Tuesday, stating the step was to allow a thorough investigation into the claims against him.
“In recent days, my name has been repeatedly linked to bribery allegations in public debates. Sometimes, even false accusations can damage a person’s reputation, and I am currently a victim of that,” Gupta said. “I have resigned from my ministerial post to help reveal the truth through an impartial investigation.”
Gupta expressed concern about being targeted due to the misuse of technology and hoped no one else would face similar circumstances. “Taking on new responsibilities for the country and its people, I pledge to diligently serve in any role assigned to me by the party in the future,” he added.
Prime Minister’s Directive and Political Reactions to the Scandal
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli summoned Gupta on Monday and directed him to submit his resignation within 24 hours. Following this, Gupta handed over his resignation letter at Baluwatar on Tuesday. The Prime Minister, however, was attending a Senate meeting at Kathmandu University, and the resignation had not yet been formally accepted.
The controversy arose after an audio tape was leaked alleging Gupta’s involvement in bribery related to appointments and transfers in Kaski district’s Land Commission. The tape claimed the chairperson of the Land Commission in Kaski was appointed in exchange for a bribe of NPR 2.5 million, and the transfer of the then chief of the Kaski Land Revenue Office was obstructed by a bribe of NPR 5.3 million.
The scandal has prompted demands for Gupta’s immediate dismissal from leaders across ruling and opposition parties. Senior Nepali Congress leaders, including Shekhar Koirala and Gagan Thapa, urged the Prime Minister to remove Gupta immediately. Likewise, leaders from the ruling CPN-UML, such as Rajan Bhattarai, also called for his dismissal.
Gupta is a member of the House of Representatives and a central committee member of CPN-UML. He has repeatedly denied receiving any such funds personally or through his ministry’s accounts.
