KATHMANDU, Sept 14: Deputy Speaker Indira Rana has clarified the allegations against her regarding a letter allegedly written to the US Embassy requesting a visa interview date for individuals unrelated to her office.

Speaking to journalists after Friday's Constitutional Council meeting, Deputy Speaker Rana said she had discussed the topic of her possible removal with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. “I brought up the matter, and the PM said, 'You are a member of the Constitutional Council. Let's not talk about market rumors. Let's leave market rumors to the market,'" she said.

She further clarified that the letter had neither reached the embassy nor had the individuals in question traveled to the US. “In fact, the letter hasn't even been registered,” she stated.

Rana also emphasized that, as she had done nothing wrong, she had no intention of resigning.

Parliament and the political landscape are currently embroiled in a heated debate over the letter allegedly sent by Deputy Speaker Rana to the US Embassy in February 2023, requesting visa interview dates for individuals not connected to her official duties.

The ruling Nepali Congress (NC) has issued a whip instructing its Members of Parliament (MPs) not to leave the Kathmandu Valley until September 19, while the CPN-UML has called for Rana to resign and make way for a new Deputy Speaker, accusing her of misconduct.