Any international visit led by a head of state inevitably impacts a nation’s image. A recent trip has sparked debate in Nepal’s Federal Parliament—this time linked to Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s official visit to Spain. During a recent House of Representatives session, Sobita Gautam, a Member of Parliament from the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), raised concerns about media reports claiming that some individuals who traveled in connection with the visit had not returned to Nepal.
Lawmakers Clash Over Allegations in Parliament
Her remarks, delivered on the parliament floor, sparked noticeable discomfort among ruling party lawmakers. Gautam stated, “There have been public reports suggesting that some individuals who went under the pretext of attending the event with the Honourable Prime Minister have not returned. This is not an accusation against any individual, but it is a serious matter.”
In response, Damodar Poudel ‘Bairagi’, a Member of Parliament from the ruling CPN-UML party, objected strongly. He argued that such sensitive issues should only be raised with proper evidence and clarity. “It is not in line with parliamentary decorum to make vague statements and indirectly accuse others,” he remarked.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister’s Secretariat has categorically denied the allegations, stating that every official member of the delegation returned to Nepal. According to Ram Sharan Bajgain, the PM’s Press Coordinator, “No one from the Nepali delegation has remained abroad. In fact, two additional individuals returned with the group—they were staff members from the embassy.”
Gautam Clarifies Remarks Outside Parliament
Speaking to journalists outside the parliament, Sobita Gautam later clarified her remarks. “My point was not that members of the Prime Minister’s delegation didn’t return,” she said. “Rather, I was raising concerns about the broader trend of using official events as a pretext to travel abroad.”
She also highlighted a troubling case involving visa requests made under the name of UN events. Gautam revealed that civil society groups had recommended individuals for such programs, and visas were applied for accordingly. “Out of those, visas for 55 individuals were ultimately cancelled. This needs thorough investigation—who was involved and how the process unfolded must be looked into,” she emphasized.
Following Gautam’s remarks, a wave of unrest swept through the chamber as lawmakers from RSP and Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) staged a walkout, intensifying the sense of tension and drawing national attention to the issue.
