KATHMANDU: The ruling CPN-UML has reiterated its position that Deputy Speaker Indira Rana Magar is not being asked to resign, nor is there any effort to remove her from her position.
Mahesh Bartaula, the chief whip of the UML parliamentary party, asserted that the ruling parties have not requested Deputy Speaker Rana’s resignation.
Speaking to the media after a meeting of chief whips convened by Speaker Devraj Ghimire on Sunday, Bartaula criticized the main opposition Maoist Center and the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) for targeting the Deputy Speaker.
Bartaula explained that the matter had been discussed within the ruling party, emphasizing that the Deputy Speaker is an important institutional figure.
He expressed disapproval of bringing such issues to the forefront, particularly criticizing the RSP for its aggressive stance.
He maintained that no responsible political party would undermine the office of the Deputy Speaker, and clarified that the issue was not initiated by the ruling party.
He added that there is no decision within the ruling party regarding Deputy Speaker Rana and stated that the issue was raised by the Maoist Center and RSP.
Bartaula noted that discussions about how to address the issue would continue as Parliament approaches its end.
He also mentioned that the issue was highlighted at a time when Prime Minister KP Oli was preparing to attend the United Nations General Assembly, suggesting that it was used politically by the opposition parties.
Santosh Pariyar, chief whip of the RSP parliamentary party, confirmed that Bartaula’s comments accurately reflect the situation, denying any such attempts or decisions concerning the Deputy Speaker.
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