RPP in Turmoil: Intra-Party Clash Over Koshi Speaker Election Sparks Debate

The Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) is grappling with internal dissent over the recent election of Speaker in the Koshi Provincial Assembly. Party Chairman Rajendra Lingden acknowledged the divergent views within the party during a statement on Friday, revealing a deep divide that has emerged following Ambar Bahadur Bista’s uncontested election as the Speaker of the province.

Bista, a member of the RPP, secured the Speaker position with the backing of major political players such as the Nepali Congress and the CPN-UML, a move that stirred controversy within the RPP despite his unopposed nomination. Prakash Chandra Lohani, a prominent figure in the party’s central advisory committee, has publicly called for Bista’s resignation amidst the internal dispute.

The RPP is known for its policy stances of anti-federalism, pro-monarchy, and anti-secularism. Lingden, while addressing reporters after commemorating King Prithvi Narayan Shah’s birth anniversary in Kathmandu, disclosed that the party plans to launch a nationwide agitation at the end of February. This revelation comes in the wake of conflicting opinions within the RPP on the acceptance of the Koshi Speaker position.

The internal debate intensified as party leaders like Lohani, Rabindra Mishra, and Dhawal Sumsher Rana advocated for rejecting the offer of the Speaker role in Koshi. Lingden, who hails from Koshi, revealed that some party members believe that accepting the Speaker position contradicts the party’s anti-federal stance, especially just before launching a nationwide agitation against the federal system.

According to Lingden, the party chief himself instructed Bista to contest the Speaker post, citing that the RPP already had its Speaker in the Bagmati Assembly. He highlighted the varying opinions among party leaders on whether to take the Koshi Speaker position and assured that the issue would be discussed and concluded in the next meeting of the party’s central working committee.

Lingden emphasized that the development occurred during his absence from the country and hinted at the possibility of a Kathmandu-centric agitation. He described the forthcoming protests as peaceful, intending to build pressure on the government and other political parties to address flaws in the system institutionalized by the 2015 constitution.

The RPP’s proposed nationwide agitation aims to bring together political parties supporting republicanism and those advocating for the reinstatement of the former king to form a new understanding. Lingden expressed concern about the worsening state of the country and proposed direct elections for the prime minister, with the reinstated king playing a guardian-like role.

While the RPP has not announced a specific date for its agitation, Lingden stated that the party plans to hold a mega protest and demonstration. He stressed that the country’s deteriorating situation requires immediate attention, urging major political parties to collaborate and prevent further damage.

Lingden clarified that the RPP’s advocacy for the restoration of the Hindu state, monarchy, and the elimination of federalism does not signify a regressive path. Instead, he called for a new understanding between proponents of republicanism and supporters of the former king, asserting that the current system has failed to address the nation’s challenges.

As part of his suggestions for reform, Lingden proposed a reduction in the number of elected representatives, aiming to streamline governance and address the country’s pressing issues. The internal dynamics of the RPP and its controversial stand on the Koshi Speaker election have set the stage for a period of intense debate and decision-making within the party.