3 elected representatives, including chairperson, lose posts after joining RSP

Kathmandu: Dan Bahadur Budha, Chairperson of Guthichaur Rural Municipality in Jumla, has been relieved of his position following his decision to change political affiliation. The Election Commission has stated that his post has become vacant after Budha, who was elected from the Nepali Congress, joined the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP).

In a notice issued by the Election Commission on Tuesday, it is mentioned that Budha and two other local representatives have also been relieved of their posts under legal provisions related to party defection (floor crossing). According to the Commission, their positions automatically became vacant under Sub-section 1 of Section 32 of the Political Parties Act, 2073 BS, and Rule 22 of the Rules, 2074 BS.

Budha, elected as a Nepali Congress candidate in the 2079 BS local elections, lost his post after legal procedures were initiated following his entry into the RSWPA. With this, the legal provision regarding loss of elected posts upon changing political parties has once again come into focus.

According to the Commission’s information, Fatima Khatun Ansari, Vice-Chairperson of Palhinandan Rural Municipality in West Nawalparasi, and Bishnu Dhakal, Chairperson of Butwal Sub-Metropolitan City-3 in Rupandehi, have also been relieved of their posts. Both were also elected as representatives of the Nepali Congress.

As per provisions on party defection, such action is taken after the central committee of the concerned party makes a decision and informs the Commission. The incident has once again sparked debate over the political practice of party switching at the local level and its legal implications.