KATHMANDU: A growing list of elected representatives across various political parties in Nepal are facing serious criminal allegations, raising deep concerns about the state of democratic governance and public accountability in the country.
From corruption to murder charges, sitting Members of Parliament (MPs), provincial lawmakers, and even former ministers have been suspended or are under investigation, yet many continue to wield significant political influence.
Since June 16, 2023, former Deputy Prime Minister and CPN-UML leader Top Bahadur Rayamajhi has been suspended from parliament due to his alleged involvement in the fake Bhutanese refugee scam.
Likewise, Rabi Lamichhane, Chair of the Rastriya Swatantra Party and former Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, was suspended on December 23, 2024, after being implicated in cooperative misappropriation case.
On May 15, Nepali Congress central member and former Information Minister Mohan Bahadur Basnet was suspended following corruption allegations. Similarly, Janaki Prasad Yadav, a Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) member in the Lumbini Provincial Assembly, was suspended after corruption charges were filed.
Madhesh Province lawmaker Abhiram Sharma of the Loktantrik Samajwadi Party (LSP) remains suspended due to murder accusations. Meanwhile, proportional MP Maya Rai from the Nepali Congress was arrested for her alleged involvement in embezzling cooperative funds.
Rajiv Gurung, (aka Dipak Manange), a former minister in Gandaki Province, is in custody after being convicted in an attempted murder case. RPP MP Geeta Basnet has evaded arrest for over a year despite a warrant issued in connection with a cooperative fraud case in Nawalpur.
More troubling are figures like CPN-UML’s Lilaballabh Adhikari, arrested for human trafficking, and Congress MP Tek Bahadur Gurung, who is facing corruption charges in the Special Court. UML MP Laxmi Mahato Koiri, accused in a murder case and listed as a fugitive for years, remains a sitting representative.
Justice undermined
Nepali Congress vice-president Dhanraj Gurung is under investigation for cooperative fraud, amid suspicions he falsified a divorce from his wife to shield assets. Yet he has faced no significant legal consequences.
Rishikesh Pokharel, a UML MP accused in a Rs 120 million fraud case involving an agricultural cooperative in Morang, continues to head the Public Accounts Committee. His wife, also implicated, was released on bail without spending a single day in custody.
Analysts say that these cases represent only a fraction of a broader problem—one where those responsible for shaping national policy are themselves embroiled in criminal activities. Many argue this reflects a complete erosion of ethical standards in Nepal’s politics.
Political immunity
Former lawmakers like Badshah Kurmi, linked to the mysterious death of Nirmala Kurmi, were not only shielded by their parties but even re-elected and appointed ministers under coalition governments. UML’s Koiri, charged in the killing of a police officer, won elections despite being declared ineligible under the law.
Murder-accused MPs such as LSP’s Abhiram Sharma and UML’s Ramshankar Yadav continue to influence policy. Yadav, sentenced to life imprisonment for the killing of a police constable in 2004, was released in 2019 through a presidential pardon and re-entered politics.
Figures like RPP’s Bikram Pandey, accused of embezzling over Rs 2 billion in a national irrigation project, not only won elections but were given control of ministries tied to their alleged crimes.
Upendra Yadav, elected from Bara-2, remains active in policy-making despite facing accusations in the 2007 Gaur Massacre.
Even former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal “Prachanda” is under investigation for war-era human rights abuses and alleged misappropriation of billions meant for ex-combatants. However, his party continues to deflect criticism under the guise of transitional justice.
Gokul Baskota, another UML leader, was caught on tape seeking a Rs 700 million bribe in a printing press procurement deal. Yet, due to his proximity to party leadership, he has faced no formal investigation.
Systemic failures
Public frustration has grown steadily. Citizens are increasingly questioning Nepal’s parliamentary democracy, particularly as lawmakers linked to crimes continue to shape the very laws they violate. The legal framework, such as Section 13 (e) of the House of Representatives Election Act 2017, disqualifies those convicted of serious crimes from contesting elections. However, the law is often ignored or bypassed.
The most recent case involves Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, who is under fire for allegedly facilitating illegal migration schemes via visit visas. Though the anti-corruption agency has launched investigations, Lekhak has not resigned, sparking further public discontent.
These numerous scandals suggest a disturbing trend: Nepal’s democracy is being undermined by a political elite that shields the corrupt, evades justice, and rewrites laws to fit their interests. Analysts argue that political parties are not just failing to clean house—they are actively enabling criminal elements for financial and electoral gain.
As Nepal continues to navigate its democratic future, the pressing question remains: Can a system mired in corruption and impunity ever deliver justice, stability, and progress?
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