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RSP demands Home Minister Lekhak’s resignation, warns of turmoil in Parliament

May 25, 2025
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KATHMANDU: The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has strongly objected to Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak’s handling of the ongoing visit visa scandal, questioning both his moral responsibility and the government’s inconsistent response.

Following its Central Committee meeting on Sunday, RSP announced that the upcoming House of Representatives session on 13 Jestha (May 27) is unlikely to proceed normally if Lekhak does not step down.

RSP Acting Spokesperson Manish Jha criticized Lekhak’s recent public statement—where the minister said he would leave politics if proven guilty—as meaningless and misleading.

“If he is proven guilty, he should go to jail, not merely leave politics. That’s a natural consequence, not a favor,” Jha said, accusing Lekhak of deflecting accountability.

The party also expressed dissatisfaction over the government’s alleged double standards.

“When it comes to our party leader Rabi Lamichhane, who faced cooperative fraud allegations, the state wasted no time in launching legal actions. But when a minister from an old party is accused, the system waits for legal proof before demanding resignation. Why the double standard?” Jha asked.

The RSP is reportedly preparing a tough stance in the Parliament, hinting at protests and obstruction during the next session. Jha declined to reveal specific strategies but made it clear that the House meeting “will not be business as usual.”

RSP also questioned why Lekhak, despite being linked to the controversial visa scheme, has not resigned from his post. They argue that public officials should uphold higher ethical standards and not wait for legal convictions before stepping aside.

In response to Lekhak’s statement that he would address the issue in Parliament on Tuesday, RSP signaled that the minister’s words would not suffice without concrete action. “The environment will not be easy,” Jha warned, indicating the party’s growing frustration.

The RSP continues to accuse the state of taking retaliatory actions against its president Rabi Lamichhane, while protecting leaders from traditional parties like Lekhak.

The party maintains that Lekhak’s position is untenable given the allegations and public pressure, and has demanded his immediate resignation.