Turmoil in Madhesh: Deputy Speaker nullifies Speaker’s move to oust 5 MPs

KATHMANDU: A fresh wave of political turbulence has erupted in Madhesh Province after Deputy Speaker Babita Kumari Raut overturned Speaker Ramchandra Mandal’s decision to dismiss five provincial assembly members.

Speaker Mandal, facing a registered no-confidence motion against him, had issued a notice on Thursday removing five lawmakers — four from the Janata Samajwadi Party (JSP) and one from the Nagarik Unmukti Party.

He cited their absence in ten consecutive meetings as the basis for expulsion. His move, however, drew sharp criticism, with many calling it vindictive and undemocratic.

The decision did not stand for long. Shortly after, Deputy Speaker Raut issued a counter-notice nullifying Mandal’s action. In her statement, she argued that since a motion of impeachment had already been filed against Speaker Mandal for “conduct unbecoming of his position,” his post should be considered vacant. Under such circumstances, she claimed, any decision taken by Mandal becomes automatically invalid.

This unprecedented standoff has effectively created two parallel power centers within the Madhesh Provincial Assembly.

On one side, Speaker Mandal is attempting to assert his authority by expelling lawmakers; on the other, Deputy Speaker Raut is blocking his actions, intensifying what many view as a deepening constitutional and political crisis.

The political atmosphere in Madhesh Province has now become highly charged, with parties and leaders scrambling to interpret constitutional provisions and secure control of the assembly.

The unfolding situation is expected to fuel further debate — and instability — in the days ahead.