CPN-UML leader Mahesh Basnet has stated that both he and his party are ready to come under investigation. Speaking at a central committee meeting of the National Youth Association Nepal on Sunday, Basnet said that the Prime Minister and ministers of the interim government should also be investigated.
He remarked, “They are trying to create a narrative that only political leaders misuse state resources, which is completely wrong. I was a minister for 13 months—let them investigate if I misused any state resources. I openly challenge it. I, my party UML, and all UML members are ready for investigation.”
Basnet further questioned whether former Chief Justice Sushila Karki and former Finance Secretary Rameshwor Khanal would also be willing to face scrutiny. “Was there no misuse of resources during their tenure? When preparing the budget, there were alleged deals and arrangements with big businessmen regarding tax rates—are they ready to be investigated?” he said, adding that he was not making accusations but calling for fairness in the process.
Basnet also alleged that during Kulman Ghising’s tenure as Managing Director of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), a recent agreement on the cross-border transmission line had caused a loss of Rs. 450 million to Nepal. “Is Kulman ready to be investigated for that? I don’t think so. During his current visit to India, he signed a one-sided agreement that imposes rental costs on Nepal and causes a loss of about Rs. 450 million. If we are to start action, we can begin from there,” he said.
He also criticized the current government, saying that even after two months, the Cabinet remains incomplete, and ministers have not yet made their property details public. Taking a jab at the Minister for Communication and Information Technology, Jagadish Kharel, Basnet said sarcastically, “The most important achievement of the Communication Minister seems to be providing free Wi-Fi at Aryaghat—so that families of the deceased can livestream funerals from abroad. That seems to be his biggest accomplishment.”
About the Author
