Ranjita Steps Back Amid Bribery Scandal, Bastola Appointed Acting Chair of NUP
Amid mounting controversy over an alleged bribery scandal, NUP Chair Ranjita Shrestha temporarily handed over her duties to senior leader Shiva Bastola.
mid growing political pressure and allegations of involvement in a bribery scandal, Ranjita Shrestha, Chairperson of Nepal’s Nagarik Unmukti Party (NUP), has delegated her duties to senior party leader Shiva Bastola as acting chair.
The move follows the public release of an audio tape earlier this month, implicating Shrestha in discussions over bribes related to transfers of land commission officials and the chief of the Land Revenue Office in Kaski. The audio was made public by Arthik Dainik on July 11, triggering widespread criticism and calls for accountability.
In a formal letter sent to Bastola, Shrestha cited health concerns as the reason for temporarily stepping back from day-to-day party operations and key decision-making roles. The letter, circulated among NUP’s central and provincial committees, emphasized continuity and authorized Bastola to assume full responsibilities under Article 20(9) of the party’s statute.
“I am unable to remain fully active in party affairs due to health complications,” Shrestha wrote, adding that Bastola is expected to uphold party unity and operate with full authority until further notice or arrangements.
The decision, however, has sparked further controversy within NUP. Resham Chaudhary, the party’s founder and husband of Shrestha, has demanded that she resign altogether on moral grounds rather than temporarily delegate power. The internal rift threatens to destabilize the party’s leadership at a time when it seeks to expand its influence beyond Madhes Province.
The appointment of Bastola is seen as a short-term measure, but party insiders say it may serve as a stepping stone toward a broader leadership transition, depending on the evolving fallout from the corruption allegations.