Shekhar accuses political leaders, govt staffers, and businessmen of collusion in Ncell shares sale

KATHMANDU: Nepali Congress (NC) leader Dr Shekhar Koirala has said that the ownership of Ncell was transferred in connivance with political party leaders and government officials.

Speaking at the 1st District Convention of the Okhaldhunga District Committee of NC on Tuesday, Dr. Koirala said: “Rumors about the ownership transfer of Ncell, which is coming under the government’s control after five years, are circulating. Such an action is not possible without the collaboration of political leaders, government employees, and businessmen.”

On December 1, Malaysian company Axiata, which held an 80% stake in the GSM operator Ncell, announced that it had transferred all its stakes to Spectrelight Limited, a UK-registered company. The deal has raised suspicion as the shares were sold at far lower rates compared to the previous transaction that too without getting pre-approval from the regulator as required by the law.

“I have discussed this issue with other political leaders as well,” Dr. Koirala added, emphasizing, “NC is treating the matter seriously. There is no alternative to eliminating corruption.”