The Ani Choying Drolma Controversy involves Nepali singer and Buddhist nun Ani Choying Drolma, who is currently involved in a public dispute over her appointment by the government as vice-chairperson of the Lumbini Development Trust. Protests against her appointment have been ongoing for over a week, and arrests were made on October 26th.
Below is an explanation of what is being claimed, what both she and the government have stated, and what remains unresolved in the Ani Choying Drolma Controversy. Before this, new government was in controversy with USAID, Niti Sambad Nepal’s Political Network in 2022: What the Leaked Documents Reveal
What Happened: The Appointment to the Lumbini Development Trust
On October 16th, 2026, Nepal’s Cabinet appointed Ani Choying Drolma as vice-chairperson of the Lumbini Development Trust, following a recommendation from the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation. The position had been vacant for almost five months prior to her appointment. Within a day of her appointment being announced, protests began.
Why is Ani Choying Drolma Controversial?
There are three primary issues raised by critics. These are allegations and concerns, not court rulings.
1. The 2018 Hong Kong Deposits. Reports indicate that approximately $1.65 million was deposited into her Nepali bank account from Hong Kong over a three-day period in 2018. Nepal Rastra Bank froze those deposits, and the Department of Money Laundering Investigation filed a case. Drolma has stated that the money was intended for the Arya Tara School for Nuns, which she has operated in Pharping since 2000.
2. Citizenship Questions. Protest groups claim there are public allegations that she obtained Nepali citizenship by descent using false information regarding her father’s identity. They refer to her memoir, which states that her parents arrived in Nepal as Tibetan refugees. No official finding regarding this issue was found in the reports reviewed.
3. Process and Local Representation. Critics claim she did not apply for the position and that qualified local scholars and Buddhist experts were ignored. Organizations opposing her appointment include the Lumbini Bachau Mahaabhiyan (Save Lumbini Campaign), the Kapilvastu Tilaurakot Struggle Committee, and several provincial lawmakers.
What Ani Choying Drolma and the Government Have Said
Drolma has dismissed the protests and stated that the questions surrounding her have already been resolved. She has stated that she plans to travel to Lumbini to assume the role. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Culture has stated that the appointment complied with the law once her qualifications were evaluated. Some Buddhist figures have supported her appointment, citing her decades of education, health, and humanitarian work, while also calling for the unresolved issues to be addressed transparently.
What is the Status of the 2018 Money Laundering Case?
According to the Kathmandu Post, the Department of Money Laundering Investigation placed the file on hold after completing one phase in 2018. In 2019, it determined that no further investigation was necessary at that time and shelved it. An unnamed officer stated that the file would be reopened only if new evidence came to light. A shelved file does not constitute a conviction or formal clearance.
Did the Dalai Lama Influence Ani Choying Drolma’s Appointment?
The relationship between Ani Choying Drolma and the Dalai Lama has led many to wonder if there was some form of international/religious network that may have influenced the Nepal Government’s decision to appoint her Vice Chair of the Lumbini Development Trust. However, at this time, we do not have any publicly available verification/evidence that the Dalai Lama made contact with the Nepal Government regarding the appointment.
While her appointment does raise valid concerns about transparency, selection criteria and the possible influence of high-profile religious leaders in our public institutions, we would need additional evidence (i.e., official correspondence, documentation of lobbying efforts, etc.) before being able to determine if there was any outside influence involved. A photo of the two of them together only proves they met; it does not prove political interference or favoritism.
Latest Updates: Protests and Arrests
The Save Lumbini Campaign has stated that it will continue rallies, sit-ins, and press conferences until the appointment is rescinded. Two individuals, including campaign coordinator Akram Khan, were reportedly arrested late on October 26th. Protesters are demanding either the cancellation of her appointment or, at minimum, an impartial investigation prior to her acceptance of the position.
FAQ
Who is Ani Choying Drolma?
She is a Nepali Buddhist nun and singer born in Kathmandu in 1971, known for her Buddhist chanting and music and for her humanitarian work.
What is the Lumbini Development Trust?
It is the Nepali government agency responsible for developing and managing Lumbini, the birthplace of the Buddha and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Has Ani Choying Drolma been convicted of anything?
No conviction or court ruling was identified in the sources reviewed. The money laundering case was shelved in 2019.
Will her appointment be rescinded?
As of October 27th, 2026, the government had not rescinded her appointment.
Sources
The Kathmandu Post, OnlineKhabar English, Clickmandu, Ratopati English. Please check these sources for updates.
https://medium.com/@checkthephotography/checkthephotography-ani-choying-drolma-controversy-3ed23fd17798
https://nepalitantra.com/
https://nepalitantra.com/ani-choying-drolma-controversy/