KATHMANDU: The ongoing controversy surrounding the visit visa scam has once again disrupted proceedings in the House of Representatives.

On Sunday, lawmakers from the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) obstructed the meeting by gathering in front of the well of the House, while the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) boycotted the session and walked out in protest.

As soon as Speaker Devraj Ghimire announced the start of the meeting, RSP lawmakers stood up and moved towards the well, chanting slogans and disrupting business.

Meanwhile, RPP lawmakers left the chamber altogether, citing dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the visa scam issue.

Both RSP and RPP have been obstructing or boycotting House proceedings since May 27, demanding the resignation of Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak.

They accuse him of being directly or indirectly involved in a widespread visit visa scam allegedly operated through Tribhuvan International Airport.

In response to mounting pressure, the government had formed a high-level investigation committee under the leadership of former Chief Secretary Shankar Das Bairagi.

However, the protesting parties remain unconvinced. They argue that a credible investigation cannot be conducted as long as Home Minister Lekhak continues to hold office.

Despite repeated appeals from the Speaker and the ruling coalition to allow parliamentary business to resume, both RSP and RPP have maintained their hardline stance.