Kathmandu, Nepal — In a sudden reversal, Nepal's two largest political parties, the Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML, have backed away from a planned motion to remove Deputy Speaker Indira Rana from her position. The decision to halt the proceeding, which was reportedly agreed upon during a high-level meeting at the prime minister's residence, came after a series of political and logistical hurdles.
The proposed motion cited "conduct unbecoming of her office" as the grounds for her removal. However, the plan hit a major roadblock when it was discovered that Deputy Speaker Rana was on a visit to the United States. This created an immediate problem for both parties, as many of their own leaders argued that it would be unjust to file a motion against her without first giving her an opportunity to respond. This sentiment was echoed by key figures within the Nepali Congress, including General Secretary Gagan Thapa and other prominent leaders, who suggested that the party reconsider the entire motion.
The decision was not solely based on ethical concerns. The two major parties, who lack the required two-thirds majority on their own, found themselves unable to secure the support of smaller coalition partners. Parties like the Janata Samajwadi Party (JSP) and the Janamat Party refused to sign the motion, insisting that the Deputy Speaker should be present in the country to defend herself. This lack of support from smaller parties, who hold a crucial swing vote, created a significant risk that the motion would be registered but ultimately fail to pass.
The attempt to remove the Deputy Speaker has also brought to light deep-seated divisions within the major political factions. The Nepali Congress, for instance, is facing internal opposition to the move, with leaders like Shekhar Koirala and General Secretary Bishwa Prakash Sharma openly questioning the leadership's decision to collaborate with the CPN-UML on this issue without proper internal consultation. They argue that such a unilateral decision could damage the party's image and democratic principles.
The timing of the motion has also been a point of contention. The removal of the Deputy Speaker is seen by some as an effort by the ruling coalition to gain a majority in the Constitutional Council, which is responsible for making key appointments. Opposition parties have been vocal in their criticism, accusing the Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML of trying to impose a two-party system and sideline smaller political forces. This has led to heightened political tensions and a strong backlash from lawmakers who believe the move undermines the integrity of the parliament and democratic values.
For now, the motion has been put on hold. The two major parties have reportedly decided to wait for Deputy Speaker Rana's return from the US. This pause offers a temporary reprieve and a chance for the political landscape to shift. However, with the underlying issues of power-sharing and constitutional appointments still unresolved, this is likely just a temporary halt in a much larger political drama. The question remains whether the major parties can garner the necessary support—and address their internal divisions—before they attempt to proceed with the motion once more.
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