Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has taken its protest to the floor literally. Lawmakers from the party sat down on the floor of Nepal’s House of Representatives, chanting slogans and blocking all parliamentary business. Their demand is clear: Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak must resign over his alleged involvement in a growing visit visa scandal at Tribhuvan International Airport.
Even after CPN (Maoist Centre) Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda) reversed his previous stance and returned to regular parliamentary business, the RSP has refused to back down. They say their stand is about principle and justice, not political games.
The Scandal That Sparked the Storm
Everything started with a shocking discovery: a visit visa scam involving airport immigration officials and corrupt networks operating at Tribhuvan International Airport. Investigators from the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) raided the Immigration Office and found evidence of bribery and abuse of power. Travelers were reportedly forced to pay large sums of money to receive visit visas or exit permits.
The head of the Immigration Office was arrested, and documents recovered pointed to a wider network. Opposition lawmakers argue that this network could not have operated so freely without support or neglect from the Home Ministry which oversees immigration and security.
May 27 he Protest Begins
Parliament had just resumed on May 27 after previous sessions were postponed. But as soon as the meeting started, lawmakers from the RSP, Maoist Centre, and Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) stood up in protest. They accused Minister Lekhak of failing to stop corruption within his ministry and demanded his immediate resignation.
Barshaman Pun, a senior Maoist Centre lawmaker, called the scandal a “national disgrace” and insisted that Lekhak could no longer be trusted to oversee an investigation into a case that directly involved his ministry.
RSP’s Protest Gets Louder and Tougher
While other opposition parties eventually softened their stance, the RSP chose a more aggressive approach. MP Shishir Khanal of RSP openly stated that the public no longer believes in any investigation led by the Home Ministry. According to him, only a judicial or parliamentary inquiry can restore public trust. Nepal Breaking News
RSP members refused to remain seated. Instead, they banged their desks, chanted slogans, and sat down on the Parliament floor, effectively stopping any meaningful discussion. Their goal: make the Parliament impossible to run until Lekhak steps down.
Prachanda’s U-Turn Creates a Rift
Initially, the Maoist Centre was standing side-by-side with RSP. But things changed when Prachanda signed a two-point agreement with the ruling coalition. The deal promised full cooperation with the CIAA investigation and policy reforms to clean up immigration processes.
This move helped resume some parliamentary activities, as Maoist lawmakers returned to their seats. However, the RSP and RPP accused Prachanda of abandoning the cause and protecting corrupt leaders. They described the agreement as a “sellout” and a “compromise that protects corruption.”
How the Visa Scam Works
At the center of the scandal is a network that took advantage of desperate travelers, especially migrant workers. Reports say that officials accepted bribes ranging from tens of thousands to even lakhs of rupees to speed up visa processing or allow undocumented travelers through.
Evidence gathered from raids showed that this network operated for months, possibly years, without consequences. Opposition lawmakers question how such a scheme could go unnoticed unless high-level officials looked the other way. That is why many demand the resignation of the Home Minister before any serious investigation can begin.
Parliament Descends Into Chaos
Speaker Devraj Ghimire tried to bring order to the session by giving the floor to Hit Raj Pandey, the Maoist Centre whip. But as soon as he spoke, RSP and RPP lawmakers resumed their protest. They shouted slogans, banged tables, and even stood in front of the Speaker’s podium, blocking him from proceeding.
With no option left, the Speaker suspended the meeting for 30 minutes. But when the Parliament reconvened, the disruption continued. The chamber floor became a protest zone, and legislative business came to a complete halt.
Serious Consequences for Governance
This ongoing disruption has major consequences. With Parliament unable to discuss the national budget, new laws, or urgent issues, the entire government is under pressure. Key bills are stuck, and budget allocations may get delayed if the standoff continues.
Ruling coalition members argue that Lekhak’s resignation is not required. They say he has committed no proven crime and should stay to oversee improvements in the immigration system. In contrast, RSP members believe letting him stay sends the message that powerful leaders are above the law.
What’s at Stake?
At its core, this conflict is about trust in Nepal’s democratic institutions. The RSP claims that political protection of ministers weakens public faith and encourages further corruption. Their protest highlights a growing call for accountability, not just from politicians, but from ordinary citizens who are tired of repeated scandals.
Without a clear agreement between the ruling coalition and opposition, Nepal’s Parliament may remain stuck. If lawmakers fail to act soon, development projects, international cooperation, and critical reforms could all suffer delays.
What Lies Ahead?
The RSP has made it clear: they won’t back down unless Lekhak resigns. They continue to demand a fully independent committee to investigate the case. On the other hand, the ruling alliance is urging everyone to let the CIAA complete its job.If a middle path is not found such as temporarily suspending Lekhak or forming an all-party probe then Parliament may continue to face disruptions. The coming days will show whether Nepal’s political leaders can put aside differences and focus on justice, accountability, and reform.
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) members sat on the floor of Nepal’s House of Representatives, blocking proceedings and refusing to allow the session to continue. They demand the resignation of Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak over a visit visa scandal. Even after CPN (Maoist Centre) Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal (Prachanda) reversed his previous stance, the RSP remains firm in its protest.
What Triggered the Protest
Parliament resumed on May 27, but lawmakers from the Maoist Centre, RSP, and Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) immediately rose in protest. They accused Home Minister Lekhak of supporting a visit visa racket at Tribhuvan Airport that exploited travelers for bribes.MP Barshaman Pun from Maoist Centre demanded Lekhak’s resignation, calling the issue a national crisis. Without his resignation, Pun and his allies refused to remain seated
RSP Ushers in Stricter Protest
RSP member Shishir Khanal slammed the Home Minister and pressed for a judicial or parliamentary inquiry. He said the public lost faith in any investigation led by the Home Ministry
Even after Maoist allies resolved to resume the session with the ruling coalition, RSP lawmakers stuck to their demand. They chanted slogans, banged desks, and sat down on the Parliament floor to obstruct the speaker
Prachanda’s Shift and Division
Prachanda had led the opposition boycott on the visit visa issue but changed course after a two-point pact with the ruling coalition. This agreement promised cooperation with the anti-graft body and policy reforms. As a result, Maoist lawmakers returned to the House However, RSP and RPP labeled the agreement a surrender. They said it sheltered Lekhak and compromised investigation. RSP called this a “compromise that protects corruption”
The Visit Visa Scandal at the Core
The root of these protests lies in a raid by the Anti‑Corruption Commission (CIAA) on the Tribhuvan Airport Immigration Office. Investigators uncovered evidence of huge bribes paid by travelers seeking visit visas
The Immigration Office chief got arrested, and records linked the scheme to the Home Ministry. That is why opposition parties say Minister Lekhak failed morally and should resign to open a fair investigation
Speaker Suspends Session Amid Chaos
Speaker Devraj Ghimire tried to begin the session but ended up pausing it. He first allowed Maoist Chair whip Hit Raj Pandey to speak. But when RSP and RPP lawmakers started shouting and banging tables, the Speaker ignored them and postponed the meeting for 30 minutes The Parliament resumed later, but RSP and RPP MPs again occupied the chamber floor. They continued blocking debate and pressing for Lekhak’s removal .
Ongoing Political Unrest
This standoff has forced Parliament to suspend discussions on the national budget and other key issues. Continuation of such obstructions may delay important legislation and spending plans Ruling coalition parties remain resolute. They believe Home Minister Lekhak can clarify the allegations without resigning. They argue that demanding his resignation is a political overreach meant to hamper government work
What is the next parliamentary move?
The RSP has vowed to continue their protest until Lekhak resigns. They want a parliamentary or judicial committee to probe the scandal independently Meanwhile, the government and Maoist party say they will assist the CIAA investigation and push reforms to prevent such visa fraud. They’re asking RSP to end the blockade and let Parliament work .
