Sudan Gurung Returns as Home Minister; Mahabir Pun Takes Charge of Science, Technology and Innovation Portfolio

KalimNews, June 9, 2026, Kathmandu: A significant reshuffle in Nepal’s federal government has brought two prominent figures back into the national spotlight. Sudan Gurung has officially resumed his role as Minister for Home Affairs, while renowned innovator and social entrepreneur Mahabir Pun has been appointed Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation. Both leaders were sworn into office during a special ceremony held at the Office of the President, Shital Niwas.

President Ramchandra Paudel administered the oath of office and secrecy to the two ministers following the recommendation of Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen). Immediately after taking the oath, the ministers signed the official documents required to formally assume their responsibilities.

The swearing-in ceremony took place amid torrential rainfall and was attended by Vice-President Ramsahay Prasad Yadav, Prime Minister Balendra Shah, Chief Justice Dr. Manoj Kumar Sharma, Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal, National Assembly Chair Narayan Prasad Dahal, cabinet ministers, lawmakers, political leaders, and heads of constitutional bodies. With the completion of the ceremony, both ministers officially began their duties.

The appointments came as Prime Minister Shah expanded his Cabinet, bringing in Mahabir Pun as a new minister and reinstating Sudan Gurung, who had resigned from the Home Ministry in April amid controversy surrounding his financial dealings.

Gurung, a Member of the House of Representatives elected from Gorkha-1 under the banner of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), had stepped down from office on April 22, stating that he wished to ensure a fair and impartial investigation into allegations concerning his finances and investments. At the time of his resignation, he emphasized that remaining in office could create a perception of conflict of interest and that he wanted the investigation process to proceed without influence.

His resignation was widely viewed as a test of the political culture he had pledged to uphold. Having emerged as one of the most recognizable faces of Prime Minister Shah’s government following the powerful Gen Z movement of September last year, Gurung’s departure generated significant public attention.

Following his resignation, Prime Minister Shah chose not to appoint a replacement and instead retained direct control of the Home Ministry portfolio while awaiting the outcome of the investigation. This move was widely interpreted as a signal that Gurung could return to office if the allegations against him were not substantiated.

A government-appointed investigation committee later examined Gurung’s landholdings, financial transactions, and investment activities. The committee concluded that there was nothing unusual or suspicious regarding his property ownership. Investigators found that Gurung owned 19 ropani and 15 annas (approximately 1.014 hectares) of land in Karkichhap, Dhankuta. Additional properties registered in his father’s name included 30 kattha of land in Bharatpur-18, Chitwan, and 221 ropani (around 11.29 hectares) in Chum Nubri, Gorkha.

According to members of the investigation panel, the land in Gorkha holds limited commercial value, while only the properties in Chitwan and Bhedetar could potentially command significant market prices. As a result, the committee determined that the landholdings did not indicate any irregularity. Although the committee has yet to reach a final conclusion regarding some financial transactions and share investments, the findings regarding property ownership cleared a major obstacle to Gurung’s return to government.

The controversy that led to his resignation stemmed from media reports concerning investments in Star Micro Insurance Company and Liberty Micro Life Insurance. Questions intensified after reports linked businessman Deepak Bhatta and the Shanker Group to the same companies. Additional scrutiny followed when a photograph surfaced showing Bhatta being honored as a donor by Hami Nepal, an organization chaired by Gurung, in 2021. Public concern further increased when Gurung’s asset declaration reportedly did not include investments in the two micro-insurance companies.

Despite the controversy, Gurung’s rise in national politics has been remarkably rapid. Appointed Home Minister on March 27 after the formation of Prime Minister Shah’s Cabinet, he quickly gained attention for his highly active and action-oriented style of leadership.

One of his earliest priorities was the implementation of recommendations from a high-level committee established to investigate the September 8–9 Gen Z protests. During his brief tenure, he became one of the most visible members of the government and strongly advocated for decisive action on several high-profile issues.

His tenure also attracted controversy. He reportedly visited infrastructure and construction projects outside the jurisdiction of the Home Ministry, drawing criticism from political leaders and bureaucrats. Some lawmakers from Bagmati Province expressed concerns about district visits undertaken without sufficient coordination, while questions were raised within government circles regarding his involvement in matters overseen by other ministries.

Following his reinstatement, Gurung immediately signaled an assertive agenda. Upon assuming office, he announced a decision to reopen the investigation file related to the 2001 Royal Palace Massacre, one of the most significant and debated events in Nepal’s modern history.

He also stated that the government would study the possibility of withdrawing criminal cases linked to participants in the Gen Z movement. Emphasizing his commitment to justice, Gurung remarked that while he could tolerate accusations directed at him personally, he could not remain indifferent to the suffering of Nepali women. He maintained that many allegations against him had been made without factual evidence.

The Home Minister further pledged to strengthen the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB), complete pending investigations, and ensure that dormant files and unresolved cases are reopened and thoroughly examined.

Meanwhile, Mahabir Pun officially assumed charge of the newly designated Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation at Singha Durbar. Widely respected for his pioneering work in innovation, technology, rural connectivity, and social entrepreneurship, Pun enters government with a reputation as one of Nepal’s most influential advocates of technological transformation.

Pun, an independent Member of the House of Representatives elected from Myagdi with support from the Rastriya Swatantra Party, previously served as Education Minister in the interim government formed after last year’s Gen Z movement.

Upon taking office, Pun pledged to accelerate the development of science and technology in Nepal. He stressed that progress in these fields could not be achieved through slow and routine administrative processes, emphasizing that sustained effort and dedication would be required to bring meaningful change.

He also made it clear that he did not intend to remain in ministerial office for an extended period. While acknowledging that the government’s term could last five years, Pun stated that his own goal was to serve for no more than three years. During that period, he aims to establish a strong foundation for science, technology, and innovation, enabling younger generations to carry the mission forward.

Recognizing the unique nature of the newly designated ministry, Pun noted that many systems and regulations would need to be developed from the ground up. He explained that unlike other ministries with long-established structures, the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry would need to create new frameworks, policies, and operational mechanisms to effectively fulfill its objectives.

The appointments of Sudan Gurung and Mahabir Pun mark an important moment for Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s administration. While Gurung returns with a promise to pursue accountability and reopen major investigations, Pun brings a vision centered on innovation, technology, and long-term national development. Together, their return and arrival in the Cabinet signal a new phase in the government’s efforts to address both governance challenges and Nepal’s technological future.