The issue of granting Nepali citizenship to an Indian national in Siraha sparked controversy in Parliament. Raj Kishor Yadav, a lawmaker from the Janata Samajbadi Party Nepal, raised the matter on Tuesday, accusing local authorities in Siraha of selling citizenship.

Yadav expressed his concern that despite complaints filed with the district administration, the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority, and the Ministry of Home Affairs, no action has been taken against those responsible. He further criticised the lack of accountability, alleging that the ward chairperson from the ruling party, CPN-UML, was receiving protection and thus escaping punishment.

“Now, the government has no shame left,” Yadav said. “In Siraha, the ward chair sold citizenships, but despite complaints, no action has been taken because he belongs to the ruling party.”

Kantipur reported on Tuesday that the Siraha District Administration Office had granted citizenship to Mustaq Miyan, an Indian national from Madhubani district in Bihar, India. Miyan, who resides in the Deudha area of Jaynagar village panchayat, received citizenship under the recommendation of Rushtam Ansari, the ward chair of Naraha Rural Municipality-3 of Siraha district.

The district administration issued citizenship number 150180-4362 to Miyan on July 11, 2023, based on the recommendation of the local ward chair.