Nepal’s newly-appointed Minister for Industry, Commerce, and Supplies Minister Gajendra Hamal has announced his resignation just after two days of his appointment in Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba’s cabinet due to criticism and allegation of link with Chief Justice.
“Prime Minister Deuba has accepted Hamal’s resignation,” said the prime minister’s secretariat.
Hamal is the brother-in-law of Chief Justice of Nepal Cholendra Shamsher JB Rana.
Hamal, a district-level leader of the Nepali Congress, faced controversy last week when reports suggest that he was appointed a minister at the behest of Chief Justice Cholendra Samsher Rana, according to Kathmandu Post.
His appointment as minister for industry, commerce and supplies received criticism with some within the ruling Nepali Congress calling it a move that undermined democratic principles and constitutionalism.
Hamal had submitted resignation after facing relentless pressure over his appointment, various Nepali media outlets reported citing sources,
“Currently, the news spread in various media outlets and lawyers have unfairly misrepresented my appointment, and such news has devalued my years of struggle for democracy, rule of law, and the principle of separation of powers between state organs.
“However, since the question of my appointment has been raised, I have resigned from the post of the minister as it is not appropriate for me to remain as a minister amid such speculations,” Hamal wrote in his resignation letter.
“I have submitted my resignation to Prime Minister Deuba. I made the decision to resign out of my conscience,” ANI reported saying Hamal over the phone.
Denying accusations Hamal claimed that he had been into politics from Nepali Congress and have remained off the limelight but also decided to resign from the post.
“I have been dragged into the unnecessary controversy. I have been contributing to Nepali Congress for 45 years. I also have received suggestions not to step down the post but I did on my own conscience,” Hamal added.
As per the constitution of Nepal, a sitting Minister in Central Government needs to be a Member of Parliament to function as minister for a complete tenure. Those ministers not having a seat in parliament only can remain on the post for 6 months.
Hamal was one of the 18 ministers appointed by Prime Minister Deuba on Friday, almost three months after he assumed office on July 13.
(With inputs from agencies)
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