Agro Minister Parajuli resigns

KATHMANDU, JUL 02 - Minister for Agricultural Development Hari Prasad Parauli has resigned from his post on Thursday.

Minister Parajuli submitted the resignation letter to CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli at the latter's residence, confirmed Oli's personal aide Indra Bhandari.

Agriculture Minister Parajuli, during his meet with Chairman Oli, said that he is resigning from the post as he has been facing intense criticism from all quarters regarding his behaviour during the Asar Pandra (National Paddy Day) celebrations on June 30.

"Questions have been raised against me in public quarters because of the misinformation dessiminated by the media. I felt I should not bear the post anymore hence, I am resigning," read the resignation letter furnished by the minister.

Minister Parajuli faced intense criticisms from all sectors including his own party members after photos depicting his misbehaviour with female participants during the National Paddy Day celebrations splashed all over the media.

After the news went viral on social media, users have come down heavily on the indecent behaviour of the minister and asked for immediate action against him.

Meanwhile, the resignation letter has been forward to the Prime Minister's office.

Earlier on Wednesday, Chairman Oli had asked Minister Parajuli to step down from his post yesterday. Oli had asked, "Will you step down from your ministerial post or should the party move ahead with the process?"

Likewise, Minister Parajuli had met with Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Bamdev Gautam, who leads the party in the government. DPM Gautam had reportedly asked Minister Parajuli to step down from the post, drawing the attention of the minister towards the intense criticism against him in the house and social networking sites for his unruly behaviour.

Meanwhile, students of Thamel-based Saraswati Campus burnt the effigy of Minister Parajuli. They demanded that the minister resign from the post immediately.