KATHMANDU: The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has called for the resignation of Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, accusing him of interfering in corruption investigations and failing to uphold ethical standards.

In a statement issued after a party secretariat meeting, RSP denounced the cooperative fraud case filed against party President Rabi Lamichhane as politically motivated and pledged to expand its “Justice Against Revenge” signature campaign.

The party expressed concern over reports linking the Home Minister’s secretariat to a visit visa bribery scandal worth over Rs 4 billion.

It alleged efforts to shield suspects, including the transfer of key immigration and anti-corruption officials, and possible destruction of evidence.

RSP concluded that Lekhak should resign to allow an impartial investigation.

The meeting also decided to hold a major policy convention on the party’s founding anniversary, with Bipin Acharya named coordinator, and approved the expulsion of members Rajesh Timilsina and Kamalbabu Mainali following a disciplinary review.