Kathmandu (Nepal) – In Nepal Parliament, the opposition parties have called for the immediate resignation of Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, holding him morally and administratively accountable for the expanding visit visa scam at Tribhuvan International Airport.
Nepal Parliament Erupts in Protest
On Tuesday, the controversy reached the House of Representatives, where opposition lawmakers interrupted the session as soon as Speaker Devraj Ghimire initiated proceedings. They stood up in protest, demanding Lekhak’s resignation before any parliamentary business could continue.
In response, the Speaker granted floor time to Barshaman Pun, leader of the CPN (Maoist Centre). Pun accused the government of harboring a human trafficking network that exploited travelers under the pretense of issuing visit visas.
“Millions were extorted at the airport in the name of visit visas,” Pun stated. “People across Nepal are talking about this. The minister must resign to ensure a fair investigation.”
He also warned that the Parliament would remain non-functional unless Lekhak vacated his post.
In Nepal Parliament, Lawmakers Cite Crisis of Public Trust
Adding to the pressure, Shisir Khanal, a member of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), supported the demand for resignation. He stressed that Lekhak’s presence would compromise the credibility of the investigation.
“Serious allegations have been levelled. His continued role undermines public trust,” Khanal emphasized.
As opposition members refused to back down, Speaker Ghimire suspended the session for 30 minutes, marking yet another legislative disruption.
CIAA Raid Exposes Widespread Visa Corruption
The scandal erupted on May 22, when the Commission for the Investigation of the Abuse of Authority (CIAA) conducted a high-profile raid on the Immigration Office at Tribhuvan International Airport.
During the operation, CIAA officials detained Immigration Chief Tirtharaj Bhattarai, a Joint Secretary, and confiscated critical documents. Though authorities initially transferred Bhattarai to the Home Ministry, CIAA took him into custody the next day.
According to media reports citing unnamed CIAA sources, immigration officers collected hefty bribes from individuals applying for visit visas. The scam allegedly involved direct ties to officials within Home Minister Lekhak’s private secretariat.
Nepal Parliament: Home Minister Responds, Offers Resignation
Although the CIAA has not yet filed formal charges against Minister Lekhak, the alleged involvement of his aides has amplified public pressure.
In response, the ruling Nepali Congress convened a high-level meeting on Monday. There, Lekhak offered to resign if doing so would protect the party’s image and stability. He maintained his innocence but acknowledged that his continued presence could pose a political liability.
Mounting Political Pressure
Both the CPN (Maoist Centre) and RSP have intensified their demands, arguing that Lekhak’s resignation is essential to uphold transparency and judicial independence. They insist that only his exit can enable a free and credible investigation.
The incident has now become a litmus test for the government’s commitment to accountability and reform.
What Lies Ahead
With opposition lawmakers standing firm, the Parliament faces the risk of a prolonged deadlock. If Lekhak refuses to resign, continued disruptions could paralyze legislative proceedings. On the other hand, his resignation could ease tensions and restore public confidence in the investigation process.
Ultimately, the government must choose between defending a minister under scrutiny or rebuilding public trust in Nepal’s governance system.
Nepal Parliament- House of Representatives (प्रतिनिधि सभा)
Nepal Parliament- National Assembly (राष्ट्रीय सभा)
Hungary Parliament Approves International Criminal Court (ICC) Withdrawal Bill
Japan Parliament Debates Pension Reform, Passes Cyber Defense Bill
https://parliamentjournal.com/2025/05/22/pakistan-national-assembly/