Kathmandu, Jan. 20 -- Minister for Education, Science, and Technology Mahabir Pun resigned on Tuesday to focus on his campaign to promote innovation in Nepal, following a trend of ministers stepping down ahead of elections.

Finance Minister Rameshore Khanal confirmed the news on social media, writing, "Mahabir Pun has resigned to focus on his campaign!"

Pun was appointed to the Sushila Karki-led interim government on September 22. His resignation comes after Energy Minister Kulman Ghising, Youth and Sports Minister Bablu Gupta, and Communication and Information Technology Minister Jagdish Kharel also stepped down to contest House of Representatives seats.

A long-time advocate for innovation, Pun founded the National Innovation Centre i...