Minister for Agriculture Development Hari Prasad Parajuli resigned on Thursday after facing criticism for his 'indecent behavior' with women during a public event two days ago.
Parajuli handed over his resignation to his party CPN (UML)'s Chair KP Sharma Oli early Thursday morning. Oli forwarded his resignation to the Prime Minister's Office and Prime Minister Sushil Koirala approved it with immediate effect.
Oli had instructed Parajuli to step down after photos in which he was seen hugging and groping women went viral on social media.
Parajali had reached Mulpani, Kathmandu on an invitation by local women farmers' groups to celebrate Asar 15 (National Paddy Day). While slinging mud on farmers as part of the tradition, images were clicked of him chasing, hugging and groping local women.
Talking to journalists on Wednesday, Parajuli denied wrongdoing. Farmer groups that invited him to the event also said he was not involved in any indecent activities. But he faced criticism not only on social medial but also from within his own party. CPN (UML) leader Shankar Pokharel tweeted that he was embarrassed by Parajuli's behavior. The UML' student wing burnt his effigies and demanded resignations.
This was not the first time Parajuli had courted controversy because of his 'indecent behavior'. During a public event in Dharan two years ago, he had chewed tobacco. Photographers clicked pictures of him making, sharing with others and chewing tobacco.