KATHMANDU, Nov 13: Two senior leaders of the ruling Nepali Congress (NC) have engaged in a public spat over an alleged bribery scam involving the renewal of a Bhairahawa-based casino. This exchange highlights the growing rivalry within the largest party in the federal parliament.
The accusations between Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation Badri Pandey and NC lawmaker from Gorkha-1, Rajendra Bajgain, drew media attention on Tuesday. Bajgain first alleged that Pandey had received crores of rupees in bribes for issuing a casino permit in Bhairahawa. Minister Pandey denied the claims, accusing Bajgain of spreading corruption rumors and being a “middleman” involved with corrupt figures.
On Tuesday morning, Bajgain posted a statement on X, accusing Minister Pandey of taking "crores in bribes" for the casino permit. "The minister takes commissions and promotes others’ sponsors," Bajgain wrote. He added that he, along with two colleagues had been present when a casino operator admitted to paying large sums for the permit.
Hyatt Place Hotel and Casino Marina sign casino lease agreement
Bajgain further claimed that Minister Pandey had instructed money to be sent to the home of a NC leader but did not disclose the leader’s identity. He also accused Pandey of publicizing his plan to remove a corrupt Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) employee, while falsely claiming the President’s family had opposed the move.
Bajgain, who is aligned with Dr. Shashank Koirala, is seen as being close to the party’s establishment faction lately, while Minister Pandey is viewed as a confidante of Dr. Shekhar Koirala. Both Koiralas are contenders for the party’s presidency in the upcoming General Convention.
In a separate Facebook post later in the day, Bajgain accused Minister Pandey, who had been living in a rented apartment before becoming a minister, of purchasing a house soon after taking charge of office. He also shared a television interview of Pandey on X, calling it a "burden."
Minister Pandey responded to Bajgain's accusations during a formal program later on Tuesday. Speaking at the Golden Jubilee celebration of Nepal Vidyashram Sanskrit Secondary School in the capital, Pandey stated, "I will not compromise with middlemen and vested interest groups."
He also expressed frustration that his efforts to work with integrity were being challenged. "Previously, those in politics were strong. Now, I see vested interest groups becoming powerful," Pandey said. "I have been working sincerely for the past three to four months, but some vested interest groups are trying to undermine me and lower my morale."
Pandey denied the bribery accusations, swearing by Lord Pashupatinath. "Some online portals and middlemen have accused me of taking crores. The day it is proven that I took that money, I will go to Pashupatinath and give up my political career," he declared. He also condemned the use of social media to damage his reputation.
Later that evening, Bajgain deleted his initial post accusing Pandey of taking bribes, reportedly following orders from top party leaders. However, he did not delete other critical posts against Pandey.
