KATHMANDU: Nep­al’s home minister stepped down on Wednesday over growing criticism of his finances, the second member of the cabinet to leave the new government just weeks after it was formed.

Sudan Gurung, a key figure in the Gen-Z protests in September that toppled Nepal’s previous government, said he was leaving his post ensure a “fair investigation”.

“For me, morality is greater than a position and there is no greater power than public trust... Public life should be clean, leadership should be accountable,” said Guru­­ng, who took office on March 27.

Gurung is the second minister to leave the new government after the labour minister Deepak Kumar Sah was dismissed over allegations of committing misconduct by getting his wife appointed to a health insurance board.

Dipa Dahal, press advisor to Prime Minister Balendra Shah, confirmed Gurung’s resignation had been received. Gurung participated in the deadly protests that began as a demonstration against a brief social media ban, but were fed by wider grievances over corruption and a poor economy.

At least 76 people were killed and more than 2,500 wounded during the two days of violence in September. In January, Gurung joined the RSP and won a seat in parliament after the party swept to a landslide victory in the March elections.

Published in Dawn, April 23rd, 2026