Ruling coalition discusses Deputy Speaker’s removal

Kathmandu, September 10 — During a ruling party meeting at Prime Minister KP Oli's official residence in Baluwatar on Monday evening, discussions included the potential removal of Deputy Speaker Indira Rana Magar. A participant confirmed that the issue was raised, but no concrete decision has been made about whether or how to proceed.

According to a Congress leader, the matter of Deputy Speaker Rana was discussed, but no further action was taken. The leader informed that while the issue surfaced in the meeting, no decision was made beyond this initial discussion.

Prime Minister KP Oli himself brought up the issue, and other leaders from the UML also supported the idea of removing Rana. They emphasized the seriousness of the situation and indicated that further deliberation is needed before reaching a conclusion.

The UML's strategy appears to involve strengthening their position in the Constitutional Council by removing Rana, who was appointed as Deputy Speaker from the Rashtriya Swotantra Party.

The Constitutional Council, chaired by the Prime Minister, includes the Chief Justice, the Speaker, the Chairman of the National Assembly, the Leader of the Opposition, and the Deputy Speaker. A majority is required to make decisions within the Council.

Given the current power dynamics, where the leader of the main opposition, Prachanda, National Assembly Speaker Narayan Dahal, and Deputy Speaker Indira Rana might oppose government interests, UML seems to be targeting Rana to influence the balance of decision-making within the Council.