Koshi minister resigns over unauthorized Japan trip

ITAHARI: Minister for Internal Affairs and Law of Koshi Province, Lilaballabh Adhikari, has stepped down. Adhikari submitted his resignation to Chief Minister Hikmat Karki on Wednesday.

The decision comes after Adhikari faced criticism for traveling to Japan without proper authorization and notification. Ministers are required to obtain approval of the Office of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs when traveling abroad. The request for foreign travel approval must be submitted to the foreign ministry along with the provincial cabinet’s decision.

However, Adhikari came under fire after traveling to Japan and returning without cabinet approval. His Japan visit violated diplomatic protocol. He had departed for Japan on October 29 to attend an event.

Adhikari, who is from the CPN-UML party, had earlier said that it was a ‘private visit’ and that he made no mistake.