Minister Hamal resigns

KATHMANDU: Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Gajendra Hamal resigned from the ministerial position on Sunday.  Minister Hamal, who was appointed on Friday in the latest Cabinet expansion,  submitted the resignation letter to Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba.  According to the Prime Minister’s Secretariat, Minister Hamal reached Baluwatar [ PM’s official residence], called on PM Deuba and handed over his resignation letter.  His resignation comes at a time when questions were raised over his relation with Chief Justice Cholendra Sumsher JB Rana. At the same time, he is the only non-MP minister in the 25-member Deuba Cabinet.  “I used my discretion as I do not want to be dragged into controversy without any reasons. Though leaders from the party [Nepali Congress] advised me not to step down, I have made my mind to resign,” he said.  Meanwhile, Hamal's resignation was approved by PM Deuba.