Pokhara: In the wake of an audio tape circulating in media and social networks implicating two sitting ministers in a scheme to usurp public land in Pokhara City, one minister has resigned, while another has pledged to accept action if his involvement is proven.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Minister for Federal Affairs and General Administration, Raj Kumar Gupta, resigned after the audio tape went viral, revealing a conversation about a bribery deal that also implicated Minister for Land Management, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation, Balram Adhikari.
During a press conference at the ministry on Thursday, Minister Adhikari questioned the timing and intent behind the release of the audio tape, which also implicates his family members. He claimed that the tape’s release was a coordinated attempt to tarnish his character, asserting, “Efforts are on to assassinate my character while I was working untiringly for the country and people by establishing law and rules in the concerned sector. I demand a genuine investigation on the audio record.”
Adhikari further argued that his ministry had performed commendably during his tenure, and he deemed the attempts to damage his reputation as condemnable. He also urged the media to uncover the true story behind the disputed audio tape, stating, “I’m ready to face any action if I’m found guilty over the issue after investigation.”
Both Gupta and Adhikari are ministers representing the CPN UML.