Sudan Gurung, Nepal's youngest Home Minister, was appointed on March 27 and has quickly emerged as one of the most talked-about figures in the country. He is also the founder of the organization Hami Nepal. His appointment to the Home Ministry came as a surprise to many observers.
Since taking office, he has worked efficiently toward his stated goals and made decisions that have captured public attention. On his very first day after taking the oath, he ordered the arrest of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, a move that is rare in political history anywhere in the world.
The arrests were made over their alleged role in the deaths of dozens of people during the GenZ protests that toppled the government in September last year. The move has been widely praised by those who view it as a strong stance on accountability.
Gurung also personally visited Nepal Police Headquarters, where he directed officers to adopt a policy of zero tolerance against corruption and irregularities, stating that no one involved would be spared. Following this, several arrests were made in connection with money laundering cases. He has since been seen visiting police offices, meeting victims, and closely monitoring law enforcement operations. He has also reinforced a no-VIP-treatment policy on the road system.
His work has drawn comparisons to Anil Kapoor’s character in the Bollywood film Nayak. However, his positive attitude and unconventional approach have sparked debate. On social media, he faced criticism over older photos from when he was a DJ. More recently, his frequent unusual posts—sometimes consisting of numbers only, possibly representing arrest figures—have added to the conversation.
According to Hemanta Malla Thakuri, former Deputy Inspector General of Nepal Police, “Maturity is essential for someone holding a position like this. While the actions he has been taking may appear proactive, many of these tasks are actually the responsibility of the police, not the minister. Traffic management, for example, is not a minister's role—it requires trained traffic police personnel. When a minister steps into such operational duties, it does not necessarily send a positive message to the public.”
Abhinash Nagaju,26, from Bhaktapur said, “Based on his recent actions, I would say he's doing a good job. But at the same time, I feel a bit unsure. While his work appears positive, it sometimes feels like it might be staged, done more for show than substance.” He added that Gurung's social media posts are a good idea, as long as the information shared is not sensitive or related to national security. “It helps people like us understand what's actually going on,” he said. “I think he's trying to win public trust for now, and perhaps he’ll gradually evolve and raise his level as he goes.”
Sushila Hada from Suryabinayak said Gurung has been doing well, but the real challenge is whether he can sustain it. “He is still in a learning phase, and it seems like he is learning and working at the same time.” On his social media presence, she noted that while updates are not always consistent, he must now be more cautious than ever as a public figure. “His platforms can become a source of truth not just for the Nepali public, but also for international media and observers.” She added that there is no fixed rulebook for how a Home Minister should conduct himself, so he should follow his own moral compass while staying within proper boundaries and not being overly influenced by others.
A woman who did not wish to be named offered a similar perspective: “He doesn’t need to rush or try to do everything at once. He should take a moment to breathe. It feels like he’s acting out of excitement right now, which is understandable. But if he continues at this pace, there may come a point where, if he slows down or fails to deliver something significant, he could end up facing criticism or controversy.”
Spokesperson at the Armed Police Force of Nepal, Bishnu Prasad Bhatta, expressed optimism: “We have a lot of hope in our new Home Minister. He is very action-oriented, and we truly appreciate his efforts. He has past experience working with national organizations and has been helpful in the past.” Bhatta added that while Gurung demonstrates strong teamwork, working without coordination could hamper his effectiveness. “He has been actively involved in conducting training and programs with the team, and has urged us to be prepared for future challenges and rescue operations. Overall, he is expected to address our problems and find effective solutions.”
Divya Shrestha, 21, described Gurung as a confident and outspoken political figure who makes a visible effort to stay connected with the public. “On social media, his bold and engaging presence helps him connect with supporters, though his tone can occasionally feel overly informal for someone in such a senior role. He shows clear promise, but a more measured, disciplined, and professional approach will be important as he grows into the responsibilities of the position.”
Shiva Tamang, 25, from Swayambhu echoed similar thoughts: “His actions reflect practical, ground-level engagement, though questions sometimes arise around consistency and long-term vision. His communication is bold and direct, but can occasionally come across as emotional or confrontational. For a role as significant as Home Minister, a higher degree of professionalism, discipline, and balanced communication is essential. He has clear potential, but a more refined and consistent approach will be crucial as he settles into this responsibility.”
Ayush Basnet from Nala offered a measured take: “Gurung is a capable politician, though he appears to lack experience at this stage. His actions come across as very straightforward, sometimes in ways we haven’t been accustomed to seeing. It also feels like he may be signaling intentions ahead of bigger moves. For now, his style of working is gradually making me more appreciative of his approach.”
Amid his recent activities, Gurung was also linked to a controversy over land he leased near Phewa Lake in Pokhara for an adventure tourism project worth Rs 15–20m. The work was halted after authorities identified the site within a restricted 65-metre buffer zone, with conflicting claims emerging between Gurung and the landowner.
He held a meeting with Swiss Ambassador Danielle Meuwly, requesting Switzerland’s cooperation in investigating whether illicit funds from Nepal have been deposited in Swiss banks. He also conducted an on-site inspection of flood-prone areas along the Roshi River in Kavrepalanchok, assessing risks to settlements and infrastructure and directing authorities to strengthen preparedness and coordination ahead of the monsoon season.
Gurung's first two weeks in office have been marked by bold decisions, high visibility, and an unconventional style that has quickly set him apart. While many praise his energy, accountability-driven actions, and direct engagement with the public, others raise concerns about consistency, experience, and the need for a more measured approach.
As he navigates the responsibilities of one of the country’s most critical ministries, Gurung stands at a defining moment, where sustaining momentum, refining his leadership style, and balancing action with strategy will determine whether his early promise translates into lasting impact.
