Lharkyal offers to step down from Lumbini Authority but PM says hang on 

Kathmandu, 15 August: Lharkyal Lama has offered to step down as vice chairman of the Lumbini Development Authority (LDA) within days of his appointment that triggered large scale criticism from the Maoist party, but Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has asked him to continue and perform.

PM Dahal said he offered to step down but given his exposure and acceptance among Buddhists across the world, ‘ I asked him to continue and perform.’

Lharkyal, a controversial monk, has been a Party hopper, and accused in some unlawful activities including illegal arms possession. He was handpicked by Dahal as vice chairman of the LDA that triggered large-scale criticism from the party.

According to Dahal, Lharkyal had pledged to raise funds for construction of the 250 ft Buddha statue and renovation of Maya Devi temple from different Buddhist organizations across the world without taxing the state exchequer.