Minister Parajuli finds his job on line over unseemly act

KATHMANDU, JUL 02 - Pressure is mounting on Agriculture Minister Hari Prasad Parajuli t

o quit the position after photos and video footages purportedly showing him misbehaving with female participants during Tuesday’s National Paddy Day celebrations in Mulpani surfaced on the social media.

As the news became viral on the social platforms, lawmakers and women rights activists came down heavily against minister’s unruly behaviour. “His behaviour was simply unacceptable which warrants an immediate action as per the existing laws,” said UCPN (Maoist) lawmaker Janardan Sharma, speaking at a parliamentary session on Wednesday.  

Leaders from his own party have asked party Chairman KP Sharma Oli to take action against him for the conduct that is unbecoming of a minister.

“Party chairman should call an emergency Standing Committee meeting to take an immediate decision on Minister Parajuli’s misconduct,” said UML spokesperson Yogesh Bhattarai. “I personally believe the minister should clarify about his conduct and the party should take a decision after his statement.” Bhattarai termed Minister Parajuli’s behavior was undisciplined. “Being a minister he should have maintained discipline and dignity of public position. But he failed to maintain his own dignity and party’s image,” said Bhattarai.

Head of UML’s Central Disciplinary Commission Amrit Kumar Bohara has asked the party leadership to probe into the matter and take action against him if found guilty. “He failed to maintain social dignity and respect women. It is really objectionable,” said Bohara asking party leadership to look into the matter seriously.

Videos and pictures posted on the social networking sites show Minister Parajuli pulling female participants, creating rukus around the event site in Mulpani.

Parajuli met Deputy PM and Home Minister Gautam, who leads the party in the government. During the meeting, Parajuli reportedly pleaded his innocence, claiming instead that he had been unnecessarily dragged into controversy by the media.

But facing widespread criticism, DPM Gautam asked Parajuli to step down. “The issue has already reached Parliament and your action has defamed my reputation as well. Now, it’s better you resign from the position,” a source close to Gautam quoted the DPM as telling Parajuli. Ironically, UML Vice-chairman Gautam had lobbied for Parajuli to get him the ministerial post.

Legal eagles have asked the government to remove him from the Cabinet and file a sexual harassment case against him. He could face up to six months in prison

and a fine of Rs50,000 if charges of sexual harassment are established.