KATHMANDU: The Council of Ministers met this evening at Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s official residence in Baluwatar amid mounting pressure for the resignation or dismissal of Federal Affairs and General Administration Minister Rajkumar Gupta.

The meeting followed the release of an audio tape in which Minister Gupta is allegedly heard demanding bribes in exchange for transferring government employees and appointing individuals to the Land Commission.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Oli had summoned Minister Gupta to Baluwatar, sparking speculation that the cabinet meeting would take a decisive stand—either securing his resignation or formally dismissing him.

However, to public surprise, Minister Gupta was present at the cabinet meeting, and the matter was not raised during the discussions.

The cabinet’s silence on the controversy has further fueled criticism from opposition parties and civil society, who are demanding accountability and an impartial investigation into the bribery allegations.