Pressure mounts for Home Minister Lekhak’s resignation

KATHMANDU: Pressure is mounting on Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak to resign over the visit visa controversy.

Senior Nepali Congress leader Dr. Shekhar Koirala has publicly stated that Lekhak should step down on moral grounds.

Meanwhile, another party leader, Guru Ghimire, has come forward in Lekhak’s defense, calling the allegations against him unnatural and politically motivated.

Speaking at a discussion program in Khandbari, Sankhuwasabha on Sunday, Ghimire claimed the accusations were part of a premeditated attempt to target the minister. “Congress leaders do not act with ill intent,” he said, “It is the bureaucracy that is trying to shift the blame onto the Home Minister.”

Ghimire expressed concern over the growing controversies surrounding Congress ministers participating in the government. “The influence of the communist parties is increasing, and it seems our party is operating under their shadow,” he remarked. “However, Congress is striving to lead on major issues like good governance and constitutional amendments. It’s true that current ministers have failed to perform in a way that resonates with the people.”

Currently touring several districts of Koshi Province, Ghimire also criticized the party’s organizational practices, stating that Nepali Congress still follows outdated approaches and urgently needs structural reform.