MADHESH, July 2: The Rastriya Swatantra Party's (RSP) proposal to abolish provincial assemblies and restructure Nepal's federal system has sparked a political backlash in Madhesh, with Madhesh-centric parties, constitutional experts and civil society leaders warning that any attempt to weaken federalism will face stiff resistance.
The controversy erupted after the RSP's First General Convention in Chitwan endorsed a political and economic proposal presented by the party's Vice-President, Dr Swarnim Wagle. Besides calling for a directly elected prime minister and barring lawmakers from becoming ministers, the proposal seeks to reduce the number of local governments by one-third from the current 753 and abolish provincial assemblies as part of a broader restructuring of the federal system.
The proposal, endorsed during the party's closed-door session, has drawn sharp criticism from Madhesh-based political parties and organizations, which describe it as an attack on the federal system guaranteed by Nepal's Constitution.
Madhesh leader Rajendra Mahato accused the RSP of attempting to undermine federalism. He argued that instead of strengthening what he described as Nepal's still incomplete federal structure—won through the Madhesh Movement and the sacrifices of thousands of people—the party has chosen to reopen the debate on dismantling it.
According to Mahato, federalism was not granted by any political party but was secured through years of struggle, public pressure and sacrifice.
He warned that if the RSP formally pursues the proposal, it will face strong resistance across Madhadhesh. He added that Madhesh-centric parties have already begun consultations following the proposal's endorsement.
'A new constitutional debate has begun'
Journalist Chandrakishore, who closely follows Madhesh affairs, said the proposal has generated widespread dissatisfaction across the Tarai-Madhesh region.
He said the RSP's proposal, presented in the name of governance reform, has reignited a national debate over the future of federalism, the relevance of provincial structures and the implementation of the Constitution.
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According to him, any attempt to weaken the constitutional federal structure is unacceptable.
Chandrakishore also recalled that before the House of Representatives election, RSP senior leader and Prime Minister Balendra Shah had addressed a mass gathering in Janakpur, where he pledged to make provincial assemblies and federalism stronger and more effective.
"The proposal from the Prime Minister's own party contradicts those commitments," he said.
"Seeking votes in Madhesh by promising to strengthen federalism and then proposing to abolish provincial assemblies amounts to a betrayal of Madhesh voters."
He stressed that federalism is a hard-won political achievement tied to the struggle, representation and rights of Madhesh and other marginalized communities. Rather than abolishing provincial structures, he argued, the debate should focus on making them more effective.
He also urged RSP lawmakers elected from Madhesh to reflect the sentiments of their constituents and raise the issue within the party.
RSP lawmaker Dr Amresh Singh also said any interference with Nepal's democracy, federalism and inclusive political system would be unacceptable.
Expressing his views through social media from Janakpurdham last Thursday, Singh said the Nepali people have always remained vigilant in safeguarding democratic achievements. He warned that any attack on democracy, federalism or inclusion would be met with strong public resistance.
Madhesh-based parties voice discontent
Several Madhesh-based leaders, including Janamat Party Chair CK Raut and Janata Samajbadi Party (JSP) Nepal Chair Upendra Yadav, attended the RSP's general convention in Chitwan and wished the party success.
However, after the proposal to abolish provincial assemblies and restructure federalism became public, the same leaders voiced strong dissatisfaction.
According to Madhesh-based political leaders, dismantling provincial assemblies would weaken a federal system established after years of struggle, protest, sacrifice and martyrdom.
While they agree that shortcomings in the implementation of federalism should be addressed, they insist that any attempt to interfere with the federal structure itself is unacceptable.
'Proposal targets identity and rights of marginalized communities'
Some leaders have interpreted the proposal as an attempt to undermine the identity and rights of marginalized and oppressed communities.
Senior JSP leader and former Madhesh Chief Minister Jitendra Sonal accused the RSP of trying to abolish federalism and deprive marginalized communities of the identity and rights they gained through the federal system.
"There can be no compromise on federalism, proportional inclusion, full press freedom and an independent and competent judiciary," Sonal said.
He warned that any attempt to abolish federalism or roll back other constitutional achievements under any pretext would trigger a strong public response from the Madheshi community.
According to Sonal, although certain provisions of the Constitution can be amended or revised, any attempt to interfere with Nepal's federal democratic republican system would not be tolerated.
He added that provincial governments have enabled Madheshis, Indigenous nationalities and other historically marginalized communities to participate in state governance.
Former Vice Chairperson of the Madhesh Province Policy Commission and academic Bhogendra Jha argued that the proposal reflected Dr Wagle's personal position rather than the RSP's official policy.
"The day the RSP officially decides to abolish provincial structures, protests will begin across the country," Jha said.
He argued that many Madheshi voters supported the RSP after Prime Minister Shah pledged to strengthen provincial governments, making the current proposal an insult to their mandate.
"Federalism was established through the Constituent Assembly," Jha said. "No political party or individual has the authority to abolish it. Bringing forward such a proposal is a serious mistake, and the Nepali people will not accept it."
Meanwhile, Sunil Kushwaha of Kalaiya said successive governments under the federal system have failed to deliver good governance, leading to growing public frustration.
"Leave aside the prime minister or chief ministers—even an ordinary person becomes the head of a municipality and their wealth increases many times over," he said. "When people become millionaires overnight and the agencies responsible for taking action remain silent, many begin to question whether federalism is suitable for Nepal."
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