Why NC, UML are demanding Deputy Speaker’s resignation

KATHMANDU: A sudden demand of the Nepali Congress (NC) and CPN-UML for the resignation of Deputy Speaker Indira Rana Magar has taken everyone by surprise. In the meeting of the House of Representatives on Tuesday, lawmakers of the two parties called for Rana Magar’s resignation, stating that she had failed to maintain the dignity of her position.

Deputy Speaker Rana Magar, who is from Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), had written a letter to the US Embassy in Nepal requesting them to expedite visa interviews for five individuals to attend the 67th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women in New York. However, the five individuals were not granted permission to travel to the US. The letter, written in February 2023, was made public some time ago.

Both NC and UML had raised concerns about Rana Magar’s conduct in the third week of July. Members of both parties sought her resignation, alleging her of attempting human trafficking. While the issue had subsided after she provided an explanation, it resurfaced following discussions in the ruling coalition’s meeting on Monday.

A leader who attended the meeting of the ruling coalition parties at the PM’s residence on Monday evening said the coalition partners discussed the need for action against Rana Magar due to concerns about her conduct. NC Spokesperson Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat confirmed that the Deputy Speaker’s conduct was a topic of discussion in the ruling coalition’s meeting.

In the meeting, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli raised questions about Rana Magar’s letter. Coalition leaders provided mixed responses to Oli’s statement. Some said that it is already too late to hold the Deputy Speaker accountable for her actions.

Rana Magar has publicly admitted to writing the letter, stating that she did so out of ‘compassion’ and felt the issue was being blown out of proportion.

“It seems that she attempted to take unrelated individuals abroad, which is wrong,” UML Chief Whip Mahesh Bartaula said. “She should step aside to allow an investigation because the opposition has already raised concerns.”

As per Article 83 (6)(C) of the constitution, the Deputy Speaker’s position will be vacated if a motion is passed by a two-thirds majority.

Calls for resignation in the lower house

NC and UML lawmakers sought Rana Magar’s resignation in the meeting of the House of Representatives on Tuesday. UML’s Gokul Prasad Baskota said that the Deputy Speaker should resign to allow an investigation and prove her innocence.

Similarly, Ram Krishna Yadav of NC urged Rana Magar to resign on moral grounds as concerns have been raised against her conduct.

However, Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has made it clear that it will not accept calls for impeachment against the Deputy Speaker. RSP Chief Whip Santosh Pariyar said that any move to impeach the Deputy Speaker would not be acceptable. “No one should undermine democracy in the name of political power,” he said. “The government won’t survive in front of the sovereign people if it attempts to run the country through sheer force of numbers.”

Maoist Center’s Devendra Poudel also cautioned against impeaching the Deputy Speaker. “If ministers are forced to resign every time a question is raised against them, the government cannot function,” he added.

NC eyeing the position?

While many say that NC is eyeing the position because it has no representation in the Constitutional Council, its leaders have maintained silence on the matter.

NC Spokesperson Dr Mahat said they could only comment on the matter once the position became vacant.

However, NC leaders have been saying that the lack of NC representation in the Constitutional Council has complicated the issue of political appointments.

UML is also in favor of giving the position to NC. “There is a possibility that the ruling coalition may be in the minority in the Constitutional Council. So the position of the Deputy Speaker could be given to NC to ease the situation,” one UML leader told Himal Press.