Nepali Congress, which has been considering itself as the messiah of democracy and the guardian of morality, has raised serious questions about its own history and values ​​by declaring home minister Ramesh Akhtar innocent before investigation in the latest visit visa case.

Such a hasty 'clean chit' has not only made a mockery of the rule of law, but also weakened the party's moral base and the public's trust. When a party starts playing the role of police, court and judge itself instead of conducting an impartial investigation into serious allegations against its leaders, it risks losing both democratic values ​​and public trust.

When Home Minister Akbar is accused of serious charges like human trafficking, Congress sends a message that declaring him innocent without waiting for investigation is a political interference over the legal process. This raises the question – has the Congress now started to consider itself above the law? Has he stopped taking corruption allegations seriously?

The more embarrassing thing was seen when the party's senior leader Dr. Shashank Koirala demanded the resignation of the Home Minister Dr. Moved a motion to seek clarification from Shekhar Koirala, Sunil Sharma and Rajendra Bajgai. This move raises serious questions about the state of internal democracy and ethics within the Congress. When those who raise their voices against corruption within the party are tried to be punished, then it is confirmed that the party is not on the right track. Shashank's proposal has embarrassed the democratic and ethical legacy established by BP Koirala. The question arises – is speaking the truth and standing against corruption a crime? Is the Congress now embracing a culture of suppressing truth-tellers?

If the Congress still wants to present itself as a democratic and people-oriented party, it should do serious introspection on four issues. First, an independent and transparent investigation into the allegations against the Home Minister should be ensured while respecting the rule of law. In case of conviction, stricter action should be taken and in case of acquittal, the public should be able to answer through a public report. Secondly, internal democracy should be strengthened within the party, where the culture of listening and discussing the issues raised by leaders like Shekhar, Sunil and Rajendra should not be suppressed. Thirdly, for moral leadership, a leader like Shashank should review his proposal and set an example based on democratic ideals. Fourth, Congress must adopt a zero tolerance policy against corruption to win the trust of the people. Disappointment and distrust of the people can put the future of the party in crisis.

In today's political reality, the visit visa issue clearly shows the directionlessness of the Congress. Activities such as acquitting the Home Minister before investigation and threatening its own leaders who speak out against corruption by demanding explanations indicate that the Congress is losing its moral and democratic base. If this trend continues, the ideal set by BP will be confined to the pages of history. In this context, some unanswered questions arise: Is Congress in a position to place itself above the law?
Doesn't suppressing those who raise their voice against corruption indicate that the party's internal democracy is weak? Doesn't Shashank's proposal tarnish BP's ideals? And, doesn't such a double standard destroy people's faith in the Congress? Until the Congress can answer these questions, it can be considered that it has abandoned the path of democracy. There is still time to learn the lessons of ethics and accountability and get back on the right path. Otherwise, people will be forced to see it as a party that is greedy for power, alienated from morals and democratic values.