All Ministers are entitled to leave.

These are the words of Permanent Secretary to the Prime Minister's Office, Parmesh Chand in relation to claims that Interim Finance Minister Mahendra Chaudhry being sent on leave.

Chand told Village News, Chaudhry was not sent on leave but had applied for leave himself.

Chand said he applied for 5 working days leave adding that this leave had nothing to do with an inquiry into tax allegations against Chaudhry.

In his 5 day absence, the Interim Prime Minister will take over the Finance Ministry portfolio.