KATHMANDU: Dalit activist Khagendra Sunar, initially recommended for the position of Minister of Labour, Employment, and Social Security, has had his name removed at the last moment amid widespread criticism.

Following the backlash over Sunar’s recommendation, Prime Minister Sushila Karki decided to drop his name.

Similarly, Ganpatilal Shrestha, who had been proposed for Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation, was also removed at the last minute, though the reasons for his removal remain unclear.

Sunar reportedly has multiple cases filed against him and was listed on the police’s wanted list.

Meanwhile, Dr. Sudha Sharma Gautam and Bablu Gupta are set to be sworn in as ministers today.

Gautam has been assigned the Ministry of Health and Population, while Gupta will lead the Ministry of Youth and Sports.