KATHMANDU: The Nepali Congress has suspended its Bara District Working Committee President Rajesh Rai Yadav, accusing him of failing to support the party’s official candidate during the House of Representatives by-election held on March 5.
The party’s Central Disciplinary Committee decided on Sunday to suspend Yadav from performing his duties as district president until an investigation is completed, concluding that his continued involvement could influence the inquiry.
According to the committee, Yadav was asked to provide clarification on two separate occasions. However, after receiving no response within the stipulated timeframe, the committee proceeded with disciplinary action in accordance with the party statute and regulations.
“The committee sought clarification twice, but no response was received. As further investigation is necessary and to ensure that the inquiry is not affected, a decision has been taken to suspend him from carrying out responsibilities as Bara district president until a final verdict is reached,” the committee said in a statement.
The committee stated that Yadav’s actions constituted a violation of the Nepali Congress Statute 2017 (with amendments), specifically Clause 34 (8)(e), and Rule 28(3) of the party’s regulations.
A Nepali Congress leader from Bara, speaking on condition of anonymity, claimed Yadav remained completely inactive during the by-election campaign.
“He was not involved in election-focused programs and did not participate in other campaign-related activities either,” the leader said.
Complaints against Yadav were reportedly filed by local party members during the election period, alleging that he failed to support the party’s official candidate.
Sources within the party also claim that Yadav has continued to disregard party decisions and directives after the election and has not participated in party campaigns and organizational activities.
Meanwhile, Nepali Congress Vice-President Farmullah Mansoor, who was defeated in the by-election from the same district, declined to comment on the disciplinary action.
“It is the responsibility of the disciplinary committee to take action on such matters. They would be in a better position to provide details,” Mansoor said.
The committee also reviewed allegations against several other leaders, including Madhesh Province Assembly members Sakunti Devi Mahara, Kaushal Kishor Rai and Jangilal Rai, as well as Bara District Vice-President Amirilal Raut (Pal).
After receiving their explanations, the committee instructed them to remain fully committed to the party’s statute and regulations while carrying out their responsibilities.
According to committee secretary Dinesh Thapa Magar, the disciplinary body has so far received 776 complaints related to violations of party discipline.
Among those already penalized is Keshav Chand, regional president of Kanchanpur Constituency-3, who was removed from his position for allegedly obstructing the renewal of active party memberships. Chand’s responsibilities were transferred to Vice-President Padam Raj Awasthi on May 25.
Following his removal, Chand said he remained committed to the party and would not be discouraged by the action.
The Nepali Congress had assigned responsibility for updating active memberships to 6,743 ward committees across the country. Acting Chief Secretary of the party’s central office Krishna Prasad Dulal had warned that alternative arrangements would be made against ward presidents who failed to cooperate.
Party President Gagan Kumar Thapa had also announced during a program in Laukahi, Sunsari, on May 23 that ward leaders obstructing membership renewal would be replaced.
“I made the decision yesterday and have informed the vice-presidents. Around 50 ward presidents have already been replaced and new members assigned to carry out membership-related responsibilities,” Thapa had said.
The disciplinary committee is now preparing to seek clarification from an additional 231 individuals.
“Clarifications have already been sought from 545 people. The committee is likely to hold a meeting tomorrow to begin the process for the remaining 231 individuals,” secretary Thapa said.
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