KATHMANDU: The opposition Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) on Friday boycotted the House of Representatives meeting, citing the government’s continued failure to address its demands over the visit visa scandal.
At the same time, its lawmakers resumed their symbolic protest by appearing in the House wearing black attire and blue scarves, despite previous objections from the ruling Nepali Congress.
Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, RSP lawmaker Sumana Shrestha said the boycott was a response to repeated dismissal of the party’s concerns.
“We are not being heard, not even given space to speak. There’s disruption in the House, but nothing is being addressed. That is why we have boycotted today’s session,” she said.
RSP has been demanding accountability and transparency in the visit visa controversy, which it claims has exposed systemic flaws and abuse within the immigration system.
Alongside the boycott, RSP lawmakers continued their protest by wearing blue scarves in the House, defying objections raised earlier this week by the ruling party.
During Tuesday’s session, Nepali Congress Chief Whip Shyam Kumar Ghimire had objected to the scarves, calling it a breach of Clause 30, Chapter 6 of the House of Representatives Regulations, which governs disorderly conduct. He had even demanded that the RSP members be removed from the chamber.
While the RSP had temporarily refrained from wearing scarves during Thursday’s session, its lawmakers returned on Friday wearing them once again — a clear signal that they intend to continue their symbolic protest until their concerns are addressed.
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