KATHMANDU: Speaking at Wednesday’s Finance Committee meeting, Finance Minister Dr. Swarnim Wagle alleged that forces funded by a group involved in Nepal’s largest financial crime are attacking the Prime Minister and himself out of panic over an upcoming court case.

Claiming these corrupt elements want to derail the government and the Rastriya Swatantra Party’s good governance campaign, Wagle urged lawmakers not to be swayed by media rumors.

He firmly denied opposition allegations of budget tampering, clarifying that not a single dot was altered in the 460-page document.

Addressing controversies over EV imports through the Rasuwa and Korala borders, Wagle countered tax manipulation allegations, stating that the reality is the exact opposite.

He explained that a joint task force he deployed found the state actually profited while rushing traders bore the brunt of the changes.

Strongly defending Chinese EV brand BYD, the Finance Minister urged lawmakers to rely on facts rather than newspaper sensationalism, calling the accusations a blatant attempt to smear the government.