Minister Caught in Bribery Deal Audio Likely to Be Dismissed Today

Kathmandu — Federal Affairs and General Administration Minister Raj Kumar Gupta is likely to be removed from his post today following his alleged involvement in a bribery deal revealed through a leaked audio recording.

According to sources close to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, Minister Gupta was summoned to Baluwatar on Monday, where the Prime Minister questioned him about the incident. While no immediate action was taken then, preparations are now reportedly underway to relieve him of his ministerial duties.

Gupta, who represents the CPN-UML in the House of Representatives and is also a central committee member, is facing mounting pressure from both within and outside the ruling coalition to step down. If he does not resign voluntarily, he is expected to be sacked, the source confirmed.

The controversy erupted after an audio recording surfaced allegedly capturing Gupta negotiating bribes—NPR 2.5 million to appoint a chairperson to the Land Commission in Kaski and NPR 5.3 million to halt the transfer of the former chief of the Kaski Land Revenue Office.

The release of the audio has triggered widespread criticism and calls for his dismissal. Senior Nepali Congress leaders, including Shekhar Koirala and General Secretary Gagan Thapa, have urged Prime Minister Oli to immediately fire Minister Gupta.

UML leaders such as Rajan Bhattarai have echoed similar demands, intensifying political pressure on the government to act swiftly.

In his defense, Minister Gupta has denied any wrongdoing. He maintains that the audio may not be authentic and claims he is willing to undergo voice analysis to verify its legitimacy. “They say I took 7.8 million rupees in bribes, but who gave me this money? Where is it?” Gupta questioned.

Despite his denial, calls for accountability are growing louder, and a final decision on his removal is expected within the day.