KATHMANDU, Sept 12: The ruling Nepali Congress (NC) has issued a whip instructing its Members of Parliament (MPs) not to leave the Kathmandu Valley until September 19.

NC Chief Whip Shyam Ghimire informed Republica that the whip had been issued on Wednesday, directing the party’s lawmakers not to travel outside the Kathmandu Valley and those currently outside to return to the federal capital as soon as possible.

The ruling alliance is preparing to oust Deputy Speaker Indira Rana, citing her conduct against the integrity of the position she holds. She is accused of writing a letter to the US Embassy to arrange visa interview dates for five individuals unrelated to her office.

On Wednesday, the NC requested that the Deputy Speaker resign on moral grounds to pave the way for the election of a new Deputy Speaker. It has been reported that if she does not resign, the ruling alliance plans to initiate the process to remove her from the position.

The NC has 88 members in the House of Representatives (HoR).

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli proposed the removal of Deputy Speaker Rana during a meeting of the ruling coalition parties on Monday. The coalition partners have agreed to the PM’s proposal.