KATHMANDU: Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has termed the allegations against him in connection to a recent visa scandal as a politically motivated attack.

In a press conference organized to clarify his position, Lekhak firmly denied any involvement in the case concerning visit visas and criticized attempts to drag his name into the controversy.

“I came to know through the media that on Jestha 7 (May 21), a joint secretary was summoned for questioning over visit visas and that their mobile phone and laptop were taken into custody,” said Minister Lekhak. “But the way my name is being associated with the case is baseless. I have no involvement in this matter. The attack on me is entirely political.”

Lekhak, who said he was not given an official platform to present his side, stated that he decided to hold a press meet to express his views directly. “I wasn’t provided an opportunity to present my explanation officially, so I’ve come before the press to clarify,” he said.

He further insisted that he has led a transparent life in both his personal and political career. “My personal and political life is an open book—I live among the people,” he stated.

Regarding the joint secretary linked to the visa scandal, Lekhak confirmed he learned about the questioning through news outlets.

“It was only through the media that I became aware of the investigation by the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) against Joint Secretary Bhattarai in connection with the visit visa case,” he reiterated.

Lekhak also expressed his willingness to cooperate with the CIAA if needed. “I am fully prepared to support any investigation carried out by the anti-graft body,” he said.