The main opposition party, the Nepali Congress, has reiterated its demand to form a parliamentary committee to carry out a fair and independent investigation, alleging that Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Home Affairs Rabi Lamichhane’s involvement was seen in the misappropriation of the cooperatives’ funds.

A meeting of the NC Parliamentary Party held at the Parliament Building in New Baneshowr today stated that there is clear evidence showing Home Minister Lamichhane’s involvement in the cooperative funds embezzlement and repeated its demand for forming a parliamentary committee for conducting an impartial probe.

Speaking to the media after the meeting, NC Chief Whip Ramesh Lekhak said the topic of Home Minister Lamichhane’s involvement in the misappropriation of the cooperative’s funds is not only carried out by the media, but it is also a matter evidenced by the police investigation and the charges registered in court. “Our bottom line is the formation of an independent, impartial committee for conducting an investigation into the misappropriation of the cooperative funds and recommending stern action against those involved in this. The allegations made by Home Minister Lamichhane in the meeting of the House of Representatives on Sunday are false, misleading, and fictitious,” said NC Chief Whip Lekhak.

According to Lekhak, the Home Minister should not question others in the House; rather, he should respond to questions raised against him. The Nepali Congress has decided to also draw the Prime Minister’s attention over the ‘irresponsible statement and presentation’ by the Home Minister. NC Chief Whip Lekhak said the meeting also decided that the Nepali Congress was open to proving the accusations leveled by Home Minister Lamichhane by conducting a fair and free investigation into them.