Kathmandu: The ongoing obstruction in Nepal’s House of Representatives has taken a new turn, with the CPN (Maoist Center) announcing an end to its protest while smaller opposition parties continue to block parliamentary proceedings.

This signals a shift in political momentum as the demand for Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak’s resignation over the “visit visa” issue appears to be losing traction among major parties.

Maoist Center Chairman and Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal informed the media on Friday that his party would no longer obstruct the House. Speaking on the Parliament premises, Dahal said that final preparations were underway to formally lift the obstruction, indicating consensus-building efforts with other parties.

"There is no fundamental difference between us and the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP)," Dahal said. "Though they may continue their protest for some time, we will not have any disagreements or accusations against them." He further clarified that the Maoist Center has no objections even if the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) continues its agitation based on its principles.

Meanwhile, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, whose resignation had been the core demand of the protesting parties, addressed Parliament and firmly denied any involvement in the visit visa scandal. “There is no truth in the propaganda being circulated in society and social media,” said Lekhak, defending himself against what he described as a "planned, conspiratorial, and political attack."

Lekhak stated that he would fully cooperate with the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA), which is currently probing the matter. “I’m ready to appear before the CIAA if necessary,” he said, adding that it is unfair to demand a minister’s resignation over the alleged wrongdoing of a subordinate employee.

Despite the Maoist Center’s withdrawal, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) continued their protest in the House, demanding the formation of a parliamentary committee to investigate the visa scam. Their protest included sloganeering during Friday’s House session, even as Speaker Devraj Ghimire proceeded with the parliamentary agenda amid the disruptions.

The evolving situation suggests that while the broader political consensus is moving toward resolution, the smaller parties are determined to press for greater accountability through formal parliamentary investigation. Nonetheless, with one major opposition party stepping back from protest, the parliamentary deadlock may soon ease, albeit partially.