Pioneer In Short
Nepal’s home minister resigns
Nepal Home Minister Sudan Gurung resigned on Wednesday, just over three weeks after taking office, amid allegations concerning his financial conduct and business links. Appointed on March 27, Gurung had drawn early attention by ordering the arrest of former prime minister KP Oli and then home minister Ramesh Lekhak within 24 hours of assuming charge. In a social media statement, Gurung said he stepped down to allow an impartial investigation and avoid conflicts of interest, stressing that “ethics is greater than position.” He also referenced the September 2025 Gen Z protests, which demanded transparency and accountability in governance. Gurung, who had participated in those protests, also helped broker cooperation between Prime Minister Balendra Shah and Ravi Lamichhane.
Shah has accepted the resignation and retained the home ministry portfolio. Earlier, Labour Minister Dip Kumar Sah was dismissed following allegations of misuse of office, with Shah temporarily taking charge of that ministry as well. The Rastriya Swatantra Party-led Government rose to power after the 2025 protests that toppled Oli’s coalition, during which at least 76 people were killed and significant economic damage was reported.
Kapil Sibal slams CEC Gyanesh Kumar
Former Union minister Kapil Sibal on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, accusing him of acting in collusion with the BJP to influence the ongoing West Bengal Assembly election. Calling the situation a “national shame,” Sibal alleged that the CEC’s actions were aimed at ensuring a BJP victory. The Independent Rajya Sabha MP criticised the large deployment of Central Armed Police Forces and questioned the use of “logical discrepancy” criteria to remove voters from electoral rolls, claiming it disproportionately affects West Bengal and was not applied in States like Maharashtra and Haryana. He further alleged misuse of State machinery, including special train services, to favour the ruling party. Sibal also targeted remarks by BJP leaders, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Suvendu Adhikari.
He expressed concern over large-scale administrative transfers and heavy security presence, calling it an “extra-constitutional emergency.” The elections, being held in two phases on April 23 and 29, are seen as a key contest between the BJP and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Sibal claimed early feedback suggests Banerjee may retain power despite the heightened political contest.
