KATHMANDU, July 19: Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Indira Rana, has acknowledged requesting the US Embassy for an earlier date for visa interview but dismissed allegations the she requested visas for anyone else. She clarified in a statement on Friday that she did not commit any immoral acts.

Rana’s statement comes in the wake of a section of media reports suggesting that she had applied for a visa to send some young people to the United States, which the embassy allegedly denied to her as well as the applicants.

"I have been involved in social service for a long time and have traveled to many countries, including the United States of America. For over two decades, I have been working to protect the education and lives of children forced to stay in jail with their incarcerated parents. My work is recognized worldwide, and I have received numerous awards, including the World Children’s Prize. I have devoted all the prize money to my social work," she stated.

Rana continued, "In the last federal election, I was elected as a proportional candidate from the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and have been serving as the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives. I have always upheld the dignity of the House and my office. As the Deputy Speaker, I have represented Nepal in various programs organized in the U.S. and other countries, advocating for equality, social justice, and marginalized groups."

She explained the situation further: "Last year in March 2023, I was invited to participate in the NGOCSW 67, held alongside the UN Commission on Status of Women (UN CSW) conference. Due to the short notice for travel and the long wait for an interview date at the embassy, I requested an earlier interview date. It is the embassy's prerogative to grant visas based on their policies. I did not request a visa for anyone."

Rana stated, "This controversy seems like a planned move against me, almost a year and a half after the letter was written. Those who know me are aware of my nature. While I may have weaknesses, I have not committed any immoral acts and will not do so."

She concluded that she will continue to serve Nepal and its people, undeterred by malicious attempts to tarnish her public service and reputation she built over decades.

 
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