Kathmandu — Rabi Lamichhane has been accused of reversing a support promise in the deputy speaker election, sparking a political rift with the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP). The dispute highlights growing distrust among opposition forces at a critical parliamentary moment.
Gyanendra Shahi, parliamentary party leader of RPP, said his party fielded Saraswati Lama as a candidate only after Lamichhane personally assured support through a phone call.
Dispute Deepens Over Alleged Support Promise
Speaking to reporters after filing the nomination on Thursday, Shahi claimed Lamichhane directly contacted him and pledged backing for RPP’s candidate. According to Shahi, the party moved forward with the candidacy after consulting multiple stakeholders, including the RSP chief.
“We registered the candidacy only after Ravi Lamichhane himself called and assured support,” Shahi said.
RSP Backs Ruby Kumari Thakur Instead
Despite the alleged assurance, Lamichhane-led Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) later extended its support to Ruby Kumari Thakur of the Shram Sanskriti Party. The move created an unexpected shift in the deputy speaker race, undermining RPP’s strategy and exposing divisions within the opposition.
Political Trust Comes Under Pressure
Shahi acknowledged that political dynamics can shift but expressed dissatisfaction over the sudden reversal. “If they choose to support elsewhere, that is their decision. But we acted based on trust,” he said, hinting that such developments could affect future political cooperation.
Opposition Unity Faces Fresh Test
The episode underscores the fragile nature of opposition unity in Nepal’s parliament. With shifting alliances and informal commitments shaping outcomes, the deputy speaker contest has become a test of credibility and coordination among political parties.
