The main opposition CPN-UML demanded resignation of Finance Minister Janardan Sharma.

Speaking at the meeting of the House of Representatives, party Vice-Chairman and former Finance Minister Surendra Pandey demanded resignation of the Finance Minister saying that it is not morally appropriate for him to remain in the post after questions have been raised pertaining to changing tax rates on the eve of the budget presentation.

Saying that the issue of tax is highly confidential and a matter of national security, he said that the matter should be investigated.

Speaker Agni Prasad Sapkota said that his serious attention has been drawn on the issue after the UML lawmakers stood from their seats in a gesture of protest demanding answers from the Finance Minister.

Annapurna Post, a leading broadsheet Nepali daily newspaper, in its Monday’s edition made a damning allegation that Sharma changed the tax rates by using a chartered accountant and a retired senior non-gazetted officer on the night of May 28, a day before the budget was presented in the Parliament.

Earlier on Monday, some lawmakers also demanded clarification from Sharma and investigation into the matter.