RSP backs Shram Sanskriti Party candidate for Deputy Speaker, securing two thirds majority

Nepal’s evolving parliamentary landscape has taken a notable turn after the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) extended its support to the Shram Sanskriti Party’s candidate, Rubi Kumari Thakur, for the position of Deputy Speaker in the House of Representatives. With this backing, the candidate is now poised to secure a strong two-thirds majority, significantly increasing the likelihood of her election to one of the country’s key constitutional roles. The development has drawn widespread political attention, as it reflects shifting alliances and strategic recalculations within Nepal’s federal parliament.

The decision by RSP marks a departure from its earlier stance, where the party had indicated support for a candidate from the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP). This sudden shift has sparked criticism from political observers and rival parties, who have questioned the consistency and reliability of RSP’s commitments. However, party leaders have defended the move, arguing that the decision was made in the broader interest of political balance and cooperation among emerging forces in the legislature.

According to RSP representatives, backing the Shram Sanskriti Party’s candidate aligns with their vision of promoting inclusive leadership and strengthening collaboration among newer political actors. They emphasized that the support is not merely a political compromise but a strategic step toward ensuring stability and effective functioning of the parliament.

For the Shram Sanskriti Party, this development represents a significant milestone. As a relatively new entrant in Nepal’s political arena, securing the Deputy Speaker position would mark its first major achievement at the national level, enhancing its visibility and influence within the parliamentary system. The potential election of Rubi Kumari Thakur is also seen as a symbol of growing opportunities for smaller parties to play decisive roles in shaping national leadership.

The upcoming vote in the House of Representatives is now expected to be largely in favor of Thakur, given the arithmetic advantage created by the new alliance. If elected, her appointment could signal a broader trend of coalition-building and power-sharing among both established and emerging parties in Nepal’s politics.

Overall, the move highlights the fluid nature of parliamentary alliances in Nepal, where political strategies continue to evolve rapidly. While it strengthens the immediate prospects of the Shram Sanskriti Party, it also raises important questions about long-term political consistency and the direction of coalition politics in the country.