KATHMANDU, April 21: Mahesh Basnet, secretary of the CPN-UML, has called for the immediate resignation of Home Minister Sudan Gurung.
Basnet’s demand comes amid growing calls for investigation following the public release of documents showing Gurung’s alleged shareholding in Star Micro Insurance, a company linked to businessman Deepak Bhatt.
Claiming that Gurung holds shares worth Rs 2.5 million in connection with Bhatt, Basnet said the minister should step down to allow a fair investigation.
Mahesh Basnet leading in IIam
Basnet also alleged that attempts were made to link Bhatt with senior political figures including KP Sharma Oli, Pushpa Kamal Dahal, and Sher Bahadur Deuba to defame them. However, he claimed that no evidence of their involvement has emerged during the course of investigation.
He further stated that Gurung is considered close to Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Balen Shah, adding that evidence has surfaced linking Gurung to Bhatt through share ownership.
Basnet also claimed that Bigyan Raj Sharma holds shares worth Rs 1 million in the same company.
Stating that it is up to the judiciary to determine whether Bhatt is guilty, Basnet stressed that Gurung must resign and face investigation. He also warned of serious consequences if the minister fails to step down, adding that Gurung’s position may not last long given the allegations.