Kathmandu, April 22 -- Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli on Tuesday said that Minister for Education, Science and Technology Bidya Bhattarai resigned from her post due to health reasons, not because of differences or lack of support from his leadership.

Speaking at an event marking the 76th anniversary of the Nepal Communist Party, Oli dismissed reports that Bhattarai's resignation stemmed from dissatisfaction.

"She is the minister I appointed and have been working closely with. It's a big ministry. She has been unwell lately, and that's why she resigned. There is no reason for unnecessary speculation," Oli said.

Bhattarai tendered her resignation amid rising tensions with Oli and Finance Minister Bishnu Paudel, and as thousands of public s...