Kathmandu, 24 May: Home Minister Rabi Lamichhane has declared that if anyone can prove even a single instance of financial irregularity against him, he will resign not just from his ministerial position, but from politics entirely.
He made this statement through a video released by his secretariat on Saturday. Lamichhane stated that a false and conspiratorial campaign is being deliberately run against him. Referring to the issue surrounding the visa-on-arrival process at Tribhuvan International Airport, he emphasized that the matter extends beyond immigration and into his public and political life.
Lamichhane said:
“There is a deliberate and conspiratorial campaign of false accusations against me. I want to make it clear to everyone that this is not just about the visit visa issue at Tribhuvan International Airport. If anyone can prove that I have committed even a single act of financial irregularity in my public or political life, I will resign—not just from my post, but from politics altogether.”
He further stated that since questions have been raised against him, he has requested time to address the House of Representatives on the 13th (Nepali calendar), where he will provide full clarification.
“I have already requested time to speak in the Honorable House of Representatives on the 13th. I will present all the details there,” he added.
Addressing criticism related to misconduct among government employees, Lamichhane pointed out that the Ministry of Home Affairs is a large institution with hundreds of thousands of employees, and it is not practical for ministers to resign every time an employee comes under investigation.
He clarified:
“The Ministry of Home Affairs is a vast institution with hundreds of thousands of employees. If any authorized constitutional body starts investigating an employee, does it mean ministers must resign each time? Should we adopt such a practice? Is that even possible? Has it ever happened? These accusations against me are politically motivated, premeditated, and conspiratorial in nature.”
