KATHMANDU: The Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) finds itself in a state of chaos after Ambar Bahadur Bista took over as the Speaker of Koshi Province.
This marks the second instance of the RPP experiencing internal discord over a Speaker appointment, the first being Bhuwan Pathak in Bagmati Province.
The decision to appoint Bista has sparked opposition within the party, with members arguing that the RPP, which stands against republicanism and federalism, should not align itself with the existing governmental structure.
Bista, facing a divided party, was compelled to contemplate accepting or rejecting his position a day after his appointment.
RPP Chairman Rajendra Lingden, who was in Malaysia during Bista’s appointment, returned to Nepal on Tuesday evening.
Following Bista’s appointment, RPP Central Steering Committee Chairman Dr. Prakash Chandra Lohani issued a statement instructing the withdrawal of Ambar Bista’s candidacy for the Koshi State Assembly Speaker position.
Lohani urged the working committee to take necessary measures against those challenging the party’s decision to participate in the government.
Sources from the alliance suggest that the ruling coalition granted the vacant Koshi Province Speaker position to RPP, and after assuming the role, Bista secured support from the UML.
A member of the coalition CPN Maoist Center informed Khabarhub that the Speaker appointment was made with their support, as per Rajendra Lingden’s approval.
However, within their party, there are differing opinions on whether to abolish the post or retain it.
RPP Chairman Lingden stated that decisions about Bista’s status will be made after internal party discussions, emphasizing that he did not instruct anyone to join the government before the protest was announced.
Political analyst Shyam Shrestha criticized RPP’s actions, stating that the party seems to be compromising its principles for the sake of political positions.
Despite the party’s principle of opposing the current state structure, the recent moves indicate a departure from their established stance.
Rekha Thapa, an RPP central member, expressed disagreement with the party’s decision to join the government, emphasizing the importance of adhering to principles.
She questioned the direction of those who forget their principles in pursuit of power.
While some leaders like Dr. Prakash Chandra Lohani are against joining the government, Chairman Lingden affirmed that a conclusive decision will be reached after thorough party discussions.
Bista, now the Speaker of Koshi, is a prominent leader from Jhapa, considered one of the key pillars of RPP from the province, alongside Ram Thapa, the Mayor of Damak Municipality, and Rajendra Lingden himself, a member of the House of Representatives from Jhapa coordinating with the UML.
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