Former Minister for Education, Science, and Technology Mahabir Pun has filed his nomination to contest the House of Representatives elections as an independent candidate from Myagdi, the Election Officer’s office confirmed on Tuesday.

Pun resigned from his ministerial post to lead his own campaign, following a trend of ministers stepping down ahead of elections. Finance Minister Rameshore Khanal confirmed the resignation on social media, stating, “Mahabir Pun has resigned to focus on his campaign!”

Before resigning, Pun donated all national and international medals he had received to the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology. He had attempted to sell the awards to fund the National Innovation Centre and the Birgunj Agricultural Tools Factory, but no buyers came forward, leaving the medals to become government property.

Pun also mentioned that he is trying to sell 28 ropanis of land in Thulakot, Pokhara, to support the agricultural tools factory, though the land has not been sold yet.

The story has been updated.