The Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has strongly rejected the high-level investigation committee formed by the government to probe the controversial visit visa issue, claiming that the Home Minister himself is indirectly involved.
Speaking in Tuesday’s House of Representatives meeting, RSP Vice President Dr. Swarnim Wagle criticized the government’s recent decision to form an investigation committee led by former Chief Secretary Shanker Das Bairagi. The decision was made during a Cabinet meeting held on Monday evening.
Dr. Wagle described Bairagi as a figure closely favored by those in power, stating that he is himself under suspicion and not fit to lead the investigation.
“Our party believes Mr. Bairagi should not be handed this responsibility. He is already under the radar of competent authorities. How can someone under scrutiny lead an impartial investigation? Even the Home Minister is under suspicion in this matter,” Wagle stated.
He further claimed that his party has found evidence of the indirect involvement of Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak in the visit visa scandal, and that there are indications of his direct protection of those involved.
Dr. Wagle emphasized Bairagi’s long-standing ties with power centers, noting his previous roles as Foreign Secretary for seven years and Chief Secretary for three years. He questioned Bairagi’s sudden and mysterious exit from the role of Chief Secretary, especially amid large-scale scandals involving billions in telecommunications.
“Mr. Bairagi has long been in the ‘good books’ of powerful leaders. He is clearly in a conflict of interest and should not be leading this probe,” Wagle added.
The RSP has also warned that it will continue its protests if the composition of the probe committee is not reviewed.
RPP Also Raises Concerns
The Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) has joined hands with RSP, expressing doubts over the impartiality of the committee formed at the proposal of the Home Minister. They argue that an investigation committee formed under suspicious circumstances cannot deliver fair results.
“Even the Home Minister has proudly claimed that this committee was formed at his own proposal. This in itself is wrong. We are new, but not naive,” said Wagle.
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