Kathmandu — A symbolic protest staged by lawmakers from the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has stirred a fresh debate in Nepal’s federal parliament. On Tuesday, all RSP members of the House of Representatives entered the chamber wearing blue scarves, marking a new form of protest against alleged corruption in the government’s handling of visit visas.
RSP lawmaker Dr. Tosima Karki defended the symbolic gesture, stating that wearing a blue scarf is neither indecent nor a breach of parliamentary decorum. Speaking to journalists outside the parliament building after the session was adjourned, she emphasized that the protest was peaceful, intellectual, and intentional.
“What we’re doing is a form of calm resistance — a peaceful, intellectual revolution,” Karki said. “If a simple scarf can rattle them this much, then the message has clearly been delivered. Where exactly is the indecency in what we did today?”
RSP Demands High-Level Investigation in Visa Scandal
The RSP is demanding an independent high-level investigation committee to probe alleged misconduct involving visit visas, claiming that a powerful network within the government is facilitating human trafficking under the guise of travel permits. Karki alleged that individuals from the Ministry of Home Affairs, including its own secretariat, are directly involved.
“This is a coordinated operation involving immigration officials, manpower agencies, travel companies, and even top ministry staff. The entire mechanism is compromised,” she said. “We’ve called for an independent investigation, and we will not back down.”
Citing reports that individuals currently working in the Home Minister’s own secretariat have been implicated, Karki questioned whether an impartial investigation could proceed while the minister remains in office. “There is an obvious conflict of interest. That’s why we are firmly demanding the formation of a high-level investigation committee.”
Parliament Divided Over Protest Method
However, the RSP’s form of protest drew criticism from other lawmakers. Shyam Ghimire, Chief Whip of the Nepali Congress, raised a point of order, questioning whether the scarves met the standard for parliamentary attire.
“They’ve all come wearing scarves. Is this considered proper dress for this institution? If everyone starts showing up wearing whatever they like, what’s stopping someone from walking in wearing half-pants tomorrow?” Ghimire asked the Speaker.
The protest resulted in disruption within the chamber, prompting the Speaker to adjourn Tuesday’s session. Although the ruling coalition and the CPN (Maoist Centre) reached a two-point agreement to resume parliamentary proceedings, the RSP has continued to block the House.
Dr. Karki had earlier proposed the use of blue scarves as part of the RSP’s peaceful protest strategy, calling it a symbol of resistance against human trafficking. She said the party chose the blue scarf to represent calm yet determined opposition to government inaction and alleged criminal complicity.
