BIRATNAGAR: In the wake of the resignation of the former Speaker of the House, Baburam Gautam, Koshi Province is poised to bestow the role of Speaker upon the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP)).
This strategic move is aimed at upholding the majority in the provincial assembly following the vacancy left by Gautam.
Although the formal decision on the Speaker’s position has not been made by the RPP, indications suggest a readiness on their part to accept the responsibility.
Bhakti Prasad Sitaula, the leader of the RPP Koshi State Parliamentary Party, affirmed that discussions regarding the Speaker’s role had taken place with both the ruling coalition and the CPN-UML party.
He expressed optimism about the RPP assuming the Speaker’s position.
Sitaula stated, “So far, we are inclined towards accepting the Speaker’s role. If the Central Committee’s meeting does not lead to an alternative decision, we will proceed with appointing the Speaker in the Koshi province.”
Notably, Sitaula clarified that even if the RPP secures the Speaker’s post, there has been no contemplation of entering the government, and discussions on such matters have not transpired.
In Koshi province, the ruling coalition aims to secure a majority by offering the Speaker’s position to the RPP.
This decision is crucial to maintaining a majority in Province where the ruling parties currently hold only 47 seats.
The move is strategic, ensuring stability and influence for the coalition within the provincial assembly, a source said.
RPP Chairman Rajendra Lingden has revealed ongoing discussions surrounding the potential installment-based appointment of a Speaker in Koshi Province.
Lingden stated, “The parties in power are considering a phased approach, proposing that they allocate the Speaker’s post based on the numerical strength in Koshi Province. We haven’t reached a decision yet. If an agreement materializes in our favor, our parliamentary party leader, Sitaula, has confirmed our readiness to assume the Speaker’s position.”
Uddhav Thapa, leader of the parliamentary party in Koshi province for the Nepali Congress, a key player in the power coalition, disclosed that they have urged the RPP to take on the Speaker’s role.
Thapa expressed positivity, stating, “We have made the request, and they are also in agreement. Following discussions with the CPN-UML, we anticipate filling the vacant Speaker’s post in the coming days.”
Thapa emphasized that, if an agreement is reached, the Speaker will be appointed even before reaching a consensus on the election process.
Indra Bahadur Aangbo, leader of the Maoist Center Koshi Province Parliamentary Party, echoed this sentiment, asserting that top leaders have agreed to allocate the Speaker position to the RPP, and they intend to honor this agreement within a few days, even without a finalized election agreement with the UML.
Following the resignation of Speaker Gautam, Deputy Speaker Srijana Danuwar, a UML member, has been presiding over meetings.
However, as per the Constitution, UML cannot claim the Speaker’s position in this scenario unless the Deputy Speaker resigns.
Amber Bahadur Bista, a proportional representation member of the provincial assembly, is poised to become the Speaker if the RPP is granted the position.
Hailing from Gauradaha-7 Ghailaduba in Jhapa district, Bista previously served as a member of the Jhapa District Panchayat during the Panchayati system era and has remained an influential figure in RPP politics throughout the years.
If the Speaker’s position is granted to the RPP, Amber Bahadur Bista is slated to assume the role.
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