RPP MP questions speaker’s role in visit visa scandal

KATHMANDU: Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) lawmaker Dhurva Bahadur Pradhan has raised serious concerns over the role of the Speaker in the ongoing visit visa scandal.

Speaking at Monday’s meeting of the House of Representatives, MP Pradhan accused the Speaker of siding with the government and failing to play a neutral role in addressing the issue.

He clarified that the problem does not lie in the visit visa itself, but in the government’s intention and handling of the matter. “The issue is not the visit visa. The issue is the motive behind it. Everyone travels on visit visas. But various mechanisms under the Ministry of Labour, including immigration—under the Ministry of Home Affairs—are involved in sending people abroad. Irregularities have come to light in these processes,” Pradhan said.

He also expressed strong objection to government officials labeling lawmakers’ concerns over corruption and human trafficking as unconstitutional. “It is deeply unfortunate that when representatives of 30 million people speak out against corruption and trafficking, the executive dismisses them as unconstitutional,” he stated.

Pradhan urged the Speaker to actively engage in resolving the dispute in Parliament and not to act in favor of the ruling side. “We seek solutions. The Speaker is in a powerful position to take initiative. We request him to do what is necessary. Do not lean towards the government. Use your authority to help resolve this issue,” he said.

He further announced that his party would continue its protests until a parliamentary probe committee is formed to investigate the visit visa scandal.