Sudan Gurung, a lawmaker from the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and former Home Minister, has said he stepped down from his ministerial position to help ensure an impartial investigation into questions raised about his assets.
Addressing the first district convention of the party in Gorkha, Gurung said public office holders must be prepared to answer scrutiny and public concerns. He maintained that he had fully cooperated with the investigation process and answered every question put before the inquiry committee.
The remarks come at a time when political accountability and transparency in public office remain under close public attention. Gurung used the gathering not only to defend his position but also to signal confidence in the institutional process examining the allegations against him.
Confident of Being Cleared
Gurung said he faced tough questioning while giving his statement before the investigation committee but responded with factual and clear explanations.
Recalling an exchange during the inquiry, he said committee members had asked him about the source of his wealth. Speaking in a light-hearted tone, Gurung told party workers that he had responded by suggesting the assets of committee members should also be examined.
According to him, the committee’s report has already been submitted to the Prime Minister’s Office. He expressed confidence that the findings would clear him of any wrongdoing.
Gurung also told supporters that if he is proven innocent and returns to lead the Home Ministry, they should avoid crowding the ministry for congratulations or photographs during the first two months.
“I need time to work. In the initial days, I would rather focus on the job than ceremonial visits,” he said.
Message to Party Leaders Outside Kathmandu
A significant part of Gurung’s speech focused on party organisation and the responsibilities of local leadership.
He urged district leaders to remain connected with communities instead of becoming overly focused on Kathmandu-based politics. Sustained engagement with local concerns, he said, would be more valuable to the party than appearing before voters only during election periods.
- District presidents should stay active in their own districts and strengthen the party organisation.
- Political engagement should continue beyond election campaigns.
- Local issues and public concerns must remain at the centre of party work.
Gurung also claimed that he received considerable support and cooperation from citizens across the country during his tenure as Home Minister. He said maintaining that public trust would remain one of his priorities in the future.
