RPP Faces Internal Strife Following Speaker Appointment in Koshi Province

The Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) finds itself embroiled in turmoil once again, this time in the aftermath of Ambar Bahadur Bista’s assumption of the Speaker’s role in Koshi Province. This incident follows a previous internal discord within the party surrounding the appointment of Bhuwan Pathak as Speaker in Bagmati Province.

Members within the RPP are divided over the decision to appoint Bista, as they contend that aligning with the existing governmental structure contradicts the party’s core principles, which stand against republicanism and federalism. The internal dissent has compelled Bista to contemplate whether to accept or reject his position, casting a shadow over the unity of the party.

RPP Chairman Rajendra Lingden, who was abroad in Malaysia during Bista’s appointment, returned to Nepal on Tuesday evening. In response to the turmoil, RPP Central Steering Committee Chairman Dr. Prakash Chandra Lohani issued a statement calling for the withdrawal of Bista’s candidacy for the Koshi State Assembly Speaker position. Lohani also 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 the RPP, and after assuming the role, Bista secured support from the UML. However, conflicting opinions within the RPP on whether to abolish or retain the post further complicate the situation.

A member of the coalition CPN Maoist Center informed Khabarhub that the Speaker appointment was made with their support, following Rajendra Lingden’s approval. However, within the party, there are differing opinions on the decision to either abolish or retain the post.

RPP Chairman Lingden emphasized that decisions about Bista’s status will be made after internal party discussions, making it clear that he did not instruct anyone to join the government before the protest was announced. Political analyst Shyam Shrestha criticized the RPP’s actions, accusing the party of compromising its principles for political positions. Despite the party’s historical stance against the current state structure, recent moves suggest a deviation from their established position.

Rekha Thapa, an RPP central member, expressed disagreement with the party’s decision to join the government, stressing the importance of adhering to principles. She questioned the direction of those who forget their principles in pursuit of power.

While leaders like Dr. Prakash Chandra Lohani stand against joining the government, Chairman Lingden affirmed that a conclusive decision will be reached after thorough party discussions. Bista, now the Speaker of Koshi, remains a prominent leader from Jhapa and is considered one of the key pillars of the RPP in the province, alongside figures like Ram Thapa, the Mayor of Damak Municipality, and Chairman Lingden himself, a member of the House of Representatives from Jhapa coordinating with the UML. The internal strife within the RPP raises questions about the party’s cohesion and commitment to its foundational principles in the face of political challenges.