Deepak Khadka BiographyDeepak Khadka (born June 29, 1971) is a Nepali politician, businessman, and senior leader of the Nepali Congress party. He has served in several key government positions, most recently as Minister of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation from July 2024 to September 2025. Known for his strong influence in both politics and business, Khadka’s career blends entrepreneurship with public service, though it has also been marked by controversy and investigations.
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Quick Facts
| Full Name | Deepak Khadka |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | June 29, 1971 |
| Birthplace | Dharmadevi, Sankhuwasabha, Nepal |
| Spouse | Binita Khadka |
| Father | Drona Bahadur Khadka |
| Education | Graduate of Tribhuvan University |
| Political Entery | Joined politics in 1985 through the Nepal Students Union (NSU), student wing of the Nepali Congress |
Detail Facts
- Member of the Nepali Congress party with long-standing involvement in national politics.
- Elected to the Constituent Assembly (2013–2017) from Sankhuwasabha–2, defeating CPN (UML) candidate Rajendra Gautam.
- Served as State Minister for Water Supply and Sanitation (2016–2017) under Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s government, claiming responsibility for implementing the Melamchi Water Project for Kathmandu.
- Elected as a Member of the House of Representatives (2022–2025) from Sankhuwasabha–1 in the 2022 general election.
- Appointed Minister of Energy, Water Resources, and Irrigation (2024–2025) under Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli on July 15, 2024; tenure ended with cabinet dissolution in September 2025.
- Founder and chairman of Langtang Bhotekoshi Hydropower Company (120 MW) and Menchiyam Hydropower Limited (4.72 MW).
- Operates Holiday Inn Express and Suites hotels in partnership with the IHG Group.
- Owns Makalu Varun Agro Concern and Sankhuwasabha Modern Agriculture Company involved in agricultural ventures.
- Serves as Director of Khadka Land Development Pvt. Ltd., involved in real estate projects.
- His Budhanilkantha residence was vandalized and set on fire during the Gen Z protests (September 2025); he stated the burnt cash seen in viral videos was his personal Dashain savings.
- Faced allegations of fleeing the country (October 2025) by Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal, which he denied through a live appearance from his burnt house, accusing the government of spreading misinformation.
- Under money laundering investigation by the Department of Money Laundering Investigation (DMLI); forensic tests ordered on burnt cash recovered from his home.
- Engaged in a dispute with Kulman Ghising, Managing Director of the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), over recovery of electricity dues from industrialists; accused of interfering in NEA operations and protecting business interests.
- Faced hydropower irregularity allegations, including favoritism in project licensing and manipulation in the Jagadulla Hydropower Project (106 MW) and solar project permits.
- Involved in a land encroachment case, with Khadka Land Development Pvt. Ltd. accused of occupying Nepal Scouts’ land in Lainchaur and owing Rs 51.9 million in rent, currently under district court review.
- Experienced a ministry assault incident (January 2025) by Hari Pokharel, whom Khadka reportedly ordered to be released afterward.
- Criticized for frequent staff transfers, autocratic administrative practices, and misinformation on energy status during his ministerial term.
- Recognized as a strategic political operator with strong business and political connections.
- Credited for encouraging hydropower expansion and private sector participation in the energy industry.
- Criticized for conflicts of interest due to overlapping political authority and private business ownership.
- Continues to hold influence within the Nepali Congress and Sankhuwasabha politics despite ongoing legal and political challenges.