Nepal opposition questions ruling party's federalism stance

Opposition parties in Nepal have voiced strong concerns regarding the ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party's (RSP) commitment to the nation's federal system. They are demanding a clear and unambiguous stance from the RSP, pointing to what they describe as contradictory positions presented in the party's official documents versus its public pronouncements.

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At present, concerns and worries regarding the future of federalism are being expressed everywhere. Since the Gen Z movement [last September], a negative narrative about federalism has been systematically constructed.

The unease among federalist parties has intensified following proposals within the RSP's official documents that range from restructuring provincial governments to the complete dissolution of provincial assemblies. Leaders from opposition parties argue that the RSP's conduct has fueled suspicions about its true intentions regarding federalism, a key feature of Nepal's post-conflict constitution.

"At present, concerns and worries regarding the future of federalism are being expressed everywhere. Since the Gen Z movement [last September], a negative narrative about federalism has been systematically constructed," said Nepali Communist Party leader Dev Gurung. He stressed that the government and ruling party must present an unambiguous position, alleging that a government task force on constitutional amendment has offered only vague discussions instead of clear terms.

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We have asked them repeatedly, but the only response we receive is a vague invitation to keep discussing. They cannot tamper with the foundational features of the constitution, such as the republican system, federalism, and proportional inclusive representation. They must be explicit on these matters.

Upendra Yadav, chairman of the Janata Samajbadi Party Nepal, echoed these sentiments, arguing that federalism is intrinsically linked to the existence of provincial assemblies. "The provincial structure was adopted complete with an executive, a legislature, and a judiciary. Just as a parliamentary system cannot function without a parliament, federalism cannot exist without provincial assemblies. This line of thinking is fundamentally flawed," Yadav stated, demanding the RSP clarify its restructuring intentions.

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The provincial structure was adopted complete with an executive, a legislature, and a judiciary. Just as a parliamentary system cannot function without a parliament, federalism cannot exist without provincial assemblies. This line of thinking is fundamentally flawed.

The controversy originates from the RSP's recent national convention, where party chair Rabi Lamichhane presented a report proposing provincial assembly and government restructuring. Simultaneously, party vice-chair Swarnim Wagle submitted a proposal advocating for the dissolution of provincial assemblies, alongside other reforms like a directly elected prime minister and significant changes to constitutional bodies. Wagle's proposal explicitly stated, "The day we secure the required numbers and strength, we will revise the current constitution."

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The day we secure the required numbers and strength, we will revise the current constitution.