Kathmandu: Prime Minister Balendra Shah (Balen) has expanded his cabinet by appointing Sudhan Gurung as Home Minister and independent lawmaker Mahabir Pun as Minister for Science, Technology and Innovation.

President Ram Chandra Poudel administered the oath of office and secrecy to both ministers on Tuesday following the Prime Minister's recommendation.

Gurung had previously been appointed Home Minister on Chaitra 13 but resigned after 27 days amid controversy related to allegations concerning his assets. Following his resignation, the government formed an investigation committee to examine the matter. The Council of Ministers has reportedly accepted the committee's report, although the report has not yet been made public.

The Home Ministry had remained under the direct responsibility of Prime Minister Shah after Gurung's resignation. With the latest cabinet reshuffle, Gurung has been reappointed to lead the ministry. He was elected to the House of Representatives from Gorkha-1 in the last general election.

Meanwhile, Mahabir Pun has returned to government service for the second time. Pun previously served as Education Minister in an interim government before resigning to contest parliamentary elections as an independent candidate from Myagdi, where he secured a decisive victory.

Political observers have noted that Pun's inclusion in the cabinet further strengthens the government's support base in the House of Representatives and may reinforce the ruling coalition's parliamentary position.

Home Minister Announces Key Priorities
Soon after assuming office at Singha Durbar, Home Minister Gurung announced a series of decisions and priorities for the ministry.

Among them is a decision to review previous investigation reports related to the 2001 Narayanhiti Royal Palace massacre and determine whether further investigation is warranted. He stated that the ministry would study earlier findings before deciding on additional legal or investigative steps.

Gurung also announced plans to establish a special task force to examine whether criminal cases filed in connection with incidents related to the Gen-G movement can be withdrawn. The task force will be tasked with studying the legal and procedural aspects of such cases and submitting recommendations to the government.

In addition, the Home Minister said a specialized investigation team would be formed within the security agencies to examine allegations of sensitive information leaks from the Ministry of Home Affairs and Nepal Police. The team will recommend appropriate action if wrongdoing is identified.

The minister further directed the Central Investigation Bureau (CIB) of Nepal Police to strengthen its operations and expedite investigations into serious criminal cases currently under review. He also announced plans to establish specialized investigative units to handle complex cases, including economic crimes and organized criminal activities.

Gurung emphasized that the ministry would take allegations of character assassination and reputational attacks against citizens seriously and would examine appropriate legal and administrative responses where necessary.