KATHMANDU: The ruling CPN-UML has reaffirmed that there are no efforts to remove Deputy Speaker Indira Rana Magar from her position, nor is there any request for her resignation. Mahesh Bartaula, the chief whip of the UML parliamentary party, emphasized this point during a media briefing following a meeting convened by Speaker Devraj Ghimire on Sunday.
Bartaula criticized the main opposition parties, the Maoist Center and the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), for their focus on Deputy Speaker Rana. He contended that the issue of her resignation or removal was not initiated by the ruling party and expressed disapproval of bringing such matters into the public eye.
The chief whip explained that the ruling party views the Deputy Speaker as an important institutional figure, and no responsible political entity would undermine her office. He stressed that the ruling party had not made any decisions regarding Deputy Speaker Rana.
Bartaula noted that the RSP and the Maoist Center, two opposition parties, were the ones who had sparked the debate. In light of Prime Minister KP Oli's plans to visit the UN General Assembly, he argued that the timing of the incident was politically driven.
He expressed disapproval of the RSP's assertive position on the subject, suggesting that it was a calculated political ploy rather than a sincere worry about the Deputy Speaker's function. Bartaula maintained that political advantage should not be made from such concerns.
The ruling party plans to continue discussions on the matter as Parliament approaches its conclusion. Bartaula emphasized that the issue was raised by the opposition and not by the ruling party, reinforcing the ruling party’s stance that no action was being taken against Deputy Speaker Rana.
Santosh Pariyar, chief whip of the RSP parliamentary party, confirmed that Bartaula’s statements accurately reflect the situation. Pariyar denied any attempts or decisions concerning Deputy Speaker Rana, aligning with the ruling party’s position.
The combined effect of Bartaula's remarks and the RSP's affirmation is to remove any doubts or rumors regarding the Deputy Speaker's job and the ruling party's stand on it.
The prolonged dispute between the opposition and the ruling parties brings to light political tensions and differences. The Deputy Speaker's attention has come under fire in the larger political conversation.
The ruling CPN-UML insists that opposition parties have politicized the matter and that Deputy Speaker Rana's position is safe. As Parliament resumes its work, the matter is still being discussed.
