KATHMANDU, Aug 20: The ruling Nepali Congress (NC) and CPN-UML have initiated efforts to remove Deputy Speaker Indira Rana Magar after encountering hurdles in making appointments due to a lack of majority in the Constitutional Council (CC).
Following a Monday evening meeting of top NC and UML leaders, the parties agreed to begin preparations to oust Deputy Speaker Rana Magar, citing concerns over her conduct and suitability for the post. The outcome, however, now hinges on smaller parties. Despite their combined strength, NC and UML require support from other parties to secure the two-thirds majority in the 274-member House of Representatives (HoR) necessary for her removal.
Ruling coalition partners, including the Loktantrik Samajbadi Party (LSP) and Janamat Party, attended Tuesday’s meeting convened by NC and UML. Although the NUP withdrew support from the government 45 days ago, NUP Chair Ranjita Shrestha also participated in the meeting, noting that the party has yet to take a formal position and further discussion is needed.
Janamat Party MP Anita Devi attended the meeting held at NC’s Parliamentary Party office in Singha Durbar, but Vice Chair Abdul Khan said the matter had not been formally discussed within the party. Sources said LSP Chair Mahanta Thakur has yet to make his party’s position clear on the matter.
The removal of the Deputy Speaker requires 183 votes in the HoR as one seat in the 275-member HoR is currently vacant following the death of RPP lawmaker Dipak Bohora of Rupandehi-3 on April 1, 2025. NC (88 MPs) and UML (79 MPs) together hold 167 seats, requiring them the support from at least 16 additional MPs. The Janamat Party, with six MPs, is therefore decisive; its backing would almost guarantee success, even with limited support from LSP or NUP.
Sources said NC and UML could turn to the Upendra Yadav-led Janata Samajwadi Party-Nepal (JSP-N), which holds five HoR seats, if the Janamat Party does not support the proposal. Opposition parties in the HoR include CPN (Maoist Centre) (32 MPs), RSP (21), Rastriya Prajatantra Party (13), CPN (Unified Socialist) (10), along with smaller parties and independents.
Why are NC and UML pushing for her ouster now?
Under the Constitution, key appointments to constitutional bodies are made by the Constitutional Council (CC), chaired by the Prime Minister and comprising six members: the Chief Justice, the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the HoR, the leader of the main opposition party, and the Chairperson of the National Assembly.
Currently, only Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and Speaker Devaraj Ghimire represent the ruling parties. Opposition representation includes CPN-Maoist Centre leader Pushpa Kamal Dahal as the main opposition party leader, National Assembly Chair Narayan Dahal, and Deputy Speaker Rana Magar, affiliated with Rabi Lamichhane’s Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP). Chief Justice Prakashman Singh Raut is considered neutral.
Facing difficulties operating without a majority, NC and UML previously passed a Constitutional Council Amendment Bill allowing appointments to be made by a majority of members present. Although approved by both houses of Parliament, the bill was returned by the President. When UML proposed passing it again without changes, NC did not agree. Prime Minister Oli cited challenges in functioning the CC without a majority, highlighting why the ruling coalition now seeks Deputy Speaker Rana Magar’s removal to consolidate control over the council.
CC recommends appointments in various constitutional bodies including the Election Commission, Public Service Commission, Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) and other key constitutional positions as specified by the Constitution.
It may be recalled that this is not the first attempt made by the ruling parties to remove Deputy Speaker Rana Magar. In September 2024, UML’s proposal to remove her was stalled due to the Janamat Party’s ambiguous stance. Eleven months later, NC and UML have begun procedural preparation; including collecting signatures to pave the way for another attempt.
RSP leaders said Deputy Speaker Rana Magar has been in the US since August 14 for personal reasons. She is expected to return home on August 29. Keeping in view of the public criticisms, NC and UML, according to sources, have indicated they will wait for her return before advancing the proposal, while continuing internal preparations to secure the necessary majority.