KATHMANDU, July l7: Minister for Land Management, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation, Balram Adhikari, has claimed he has no involvement in the recently surfaced audio controversy, calling it a conspiracy to assassinate his character. He said he is ready to face any punishment if proven guilty.
During a press conference held at the ministry on Thursday to present the achievements of the fiscal year 2024/25, Minister Adhikari addressed the audio controversy and clarified his stance.
He claimed the audio targeted his character by dragging his and his family’s names without any evidential basis. “This is a clear attempt at character assassination. Those who failed to fulfill their personal interests have resorted to such tactics,” he said.
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The minister clarified that he has no connection or familiarity with the people whose names appear in the audio. “The individuals speaking in the audio are not related to me in any way. Is my voice there? Did I say anything? The audio itself will make that clear to you,” he said, “If you find my involvement, I’m willing to face any punishment.”
He claimed some individuals tried to pressure him regarding the transfer of a government official, and after he refused, the audio was made public.
“The land revenue officer in Pokhara was transferred in the month of Poush, but the audio has been released only now. This reveals the intent behind its release,” he said, “A few people came to me requesting to halt the transfer. When I refused, this issue was brought out.”
He also said he neither knows nor has met or spoken with Sujan Lama, a person mentioned in the audio. “I neither know Sujan Lama nor have I ever met or spoken with him. After I became a minister, he came once saying he wanted to meet my father. But I haven’t met him in any hotel,” he added.
