Finance Minister Ram Sharan Mahat has defended his former Personal Assistant saying that the allegation against him was a political ploy.
"He is a fine social worker," said Mahat. "It was a ploy by his political rivals and the media was used in it."
Ramesh Mahat, Finance Minister's Personal Assistant, had resigned on Monday after he was accused of selling corrugated sheets meant to be distributed among the earthquake victims of Nuwakot district.
The media reported that Mahat, also a relative of Finance Minister, was transporting 270 bundles of corrugated sheets to Kathmadnu from Nuwakot.
Out of the 300 bundles of corrugated sheets provided by Nepal Investment Bank for Nuwakot's earthquake victims, he allegedly unloaded 30 bundles in his relatives' houses and was transporting the remaining materials to Kathmandu.
Talking to Nepali Times on Tuesday, Finance Minister Mahat clarified, "He (Ramesh) was not going to sell it, those who did not get relief materials seized the truck and accused him of selling it."
Mahat added, "He (Ramesh) was preparing to compete for the post of the district party president in our upcoming general convention, and those who were jealous of his success used it as an opportunity to disgrace him."