Kathmandu- Minister for Youth and Sports Bablu Gupta’s proposed visit to the United States has been cancelled following mounting political and diplomatic controversy, though he is not stepping down from his post immediately.
Soon after assuming office, Minister Gupta became embroiled in controversy over a planned US visit, which was said to have been arranged at the invitation of a faction of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA). Questions were raised over the legitimacy of the invitation, with allegations that approval from the Council of Ministers had been obtained on the basis of a disputed or unofficial invitation letter.
Read this:- NRNA-America issues contradictory statements on Minister Gupta’s US visit, triggering controversy in Nepal
The controversy intensified after two rival NRNA groups in the United States issued conflicting statements—one claiming it had formally invited Minister Gupta, and the other categorically denying any such invitation. The public dispute, coupled with political pressure at home, eventually forced Gupta to reconsider the trip.
On Friday evening, the minister’s secretariat confirmed that Gupta would not be traveling to the United States. While the official reason cited was his focus on preparations for the upcoming House of Representatives elections, the decision came amid sustained criticism from political actors and civil society.
Resignation only at candidacy stage
Despite the cancellation of the visit, Minister Gupta has made it clear that he will not resign immediately. He is preparing to contest the February 21 elections as a candidate of the Rastriya Swotantra Party (RSP). According to sources close to him, Gupta intends to resign only when he formally files his candidacy.
For the Falgun 21 elections, the deadline for filing candidacy is Magh 6. Based on this timeline, Gupta is expected to resign around Magh 4 or 5.
“He is preparing to contest the election. Once he files his candidacy, he will need to fully engage in the campaign. That is why the resignation will come a bit later,” a close aide said.
Growing pressure within government
Pressure has been mounting on Gupta following recent developments involving ministers aligned with emerging political forces. Energy Minister Kulman Ghising resigned earlier this week after facing criticism for his association with the Rastriya Swotantra Party. Sports Minister Gupta and Communications Minister Jagdish Kharel have also come under similar pressure.
Speaking at a Bagmati Province-level security seminar on Thursday, Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal indirectly targeted the three ministers, stating that individuals closely associated with any political party should not continue in the current government.
Prime Minister Sushila Karki has also publicly maintained that ministers intending to join political parties and contest elections should resign. At one point, there was speculation that Gupta planned to complete a “one-time” US visit before stepping down, a claim that has now been rendered moot by the cancellation of the trip.
Uncertainty over political alignment
Gupta’s political future has become more complex due to uncertainty surrounding the full integration of the Ujjaya Nepal Party, seen as being under the influence of Kulman Ghising, with the Rastriya Swotantra Party. Dissatisfaction reportedly persists within the group over proportional representation candidates and central committee allocations.
There is also growing speculation about Gupta’s next political move if Ghising’s group does not fully merge with the RSP. Gupta is known to maintain close ties with both Kathmandu Mayor Balen Shah and Kulman Ghising. However, figures close to Balen argue that Gupta’s political proximity leans more toward Ghising.
Leaders close to the minister claim that his decision not to resign immediately reflects the unresolved nature of party realignments rather than defiance of political pressure. For now, Gupta remains in office, with his resignation expected only when the formal election process demands it.
