Ruling coalition not taking opposition’s proposal seriously: RSP

KATHMANDU: The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has accused the ruling coalition of failing to take the opposition’s demands regarding the visit visa controversy seriously.

Speaking to journalists at the federal parliament premises on Monday, RSP Chief Whip Santosh Pariyar expressed frustration over the lack of progress in resolving the House stalemate. “Although multiple rounds of discussions to end the parliamentary stalemate have been held, the ruling coalition, particularly the Nepali Congress (NC), has shown little willingness to address the opposition’s concerns,” Pariyar said. “Since the visit visa controversy is not a minor issue, it requires a thorough investigation.”

The opposition parties have been obstructing House proceedings for more than two weeks, demanding the resignation of Minister for Home Affairs Ramesh Lekhak and the formation of a high-level committee to probe the visit visa controversy. They allege that immigration officers, with the protection of the home ministry, have been extorting millions of rupees from Nepalis leaving the country on visit visas daily.

Earlier in the day, the RSP put forth a five-point proposal to resolve the House stalemate. Among others, the party has proposed forming a high-level investigative committee within five days, which would include members from all political parties and function as a ‘legislative oversight group’. This committee, according to the party, would investigate the alleged involvement of airlines, travel agencies and even diplomatic missions in human trafficking through a visit visa.

Additionally, the RSP has proposed creating a task force within one day to finalize the committee’s working procedures and complete the formation process within five days.

The RSP, which initially demanded the resignation of the home minister, has softened its stance and is now focusing instead on the formation of the investigative committee to ensure a transparent probe into the matter.