KATHMANDU: Federal Affairs and General Administration Minister Rajkumar Gupta has resigned from his post following a major bribery scandal that sparked widespread public and political outrage.

Gupta announced his resignation on Tuesday through a Facebook post.

His resignation comes days after an audio recording surfaced allegedly capturing him demanding a bribe in exchange for influencing appointments and land-related decisions.

The leaked audio, reportedly recorded between late December and January, implicates Gupta in a monetary deal linked to the appointment of the Land Commission Chair in Kaski district.

The conversation also references land-related discussions in Pokhara, further raising concerns about abuse of power.

The leak triggered strong criticism from opposition parties, civil society groups, and the general public.

Opposition leaders accused the government of shielding corruption and demanded Gupta’s immediate resignation and legal action.

Before stepping down, Gupta held a one-on-one meeting with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Monday morning and later attended the Cabinet meeting that evening, despite mounting pressure for his removal.

In addition to the bribery allegations, he is also accused of pressuring land revenue offices to comply with his demands and threatening inter-ministerial transfers for noncompliance.