Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has denied his involvement in the visit visa controversy.
Speaking at the House of Representatives meeting on Friday, Minister Lekhak said that he would cooperate with the investigation being conducted by the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA).
He argued that a minister should not have to resign merely because employees are implicated in the issue.
"There is no truth to the claims circulating in society and on social media that I am involved in the matter under investigation by the CIAA. I want to inform the House that I don’t have, and cannot have, involvement in this matter," Home Minister Lekhak said.
He also claimed that attempts were being made to file false complaints against him in party offices by creating fake victims. He did not disclose which party offices were involved in such activities, but said that action would be taken against those involved in such acts.
"Attempts are being made to register complaints against me at various places by calling fake so-called victims to some party offices. I have already been informed about the party offices where they have been written," Home Minister Lekhak said. "I urge my colleagues not to engage in such forgery, fraudulent, and undignified acts to fulfill their political motives. Those who engage in such disgraceful acts, who create fake victims through forgery and fraudulent acts will be identified and action will be taken against them. Your party offices are turning into hubs for forgery and creating fake victims. You should be cautious about this because you hold potential."
He also claimed that there have been attempts to attack him politically in a planned and conspiratorial manner.
“I wish to express my regret from this respected House regarding such actions. I would like to request my colleagues—if an issue under investigation by a constitutional body is to be linked to any minister or the government, and if answers are demanded, then how many ministers have provided answers in the past? Do my colleagues have the strength to answer that?" he questioned.
While Home Minister Lekhak was delivering his statement from the rostrum, Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) lawmakers chanted slogans demanding his resignation and the formation of an investigation committee, and even surrounded the well of the House. Meanwhile, Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) lawmakers stood up in protest.
