MP Ringla Yadav Displays Aggressive Behavior in Parliament, Says: ‘I Am Passionate, Not Malicious’

UML MP Ringla Yadav has faced intense criticism on social media for her unruly conduct during a parliamentary session. Yadav claims she stood on the table due to her short stature and did not intend to break chairs or resort to physical aggression. She was elected to the House of Representatives through the proportional representation system from the Madhesi women’s cluster of UML in Nawalparasi.

On May 31, in Pokhara, 40-year-old MP Ringla Yadav became the focus of sharp criticism due to her aggressive behavior during the parliamentary proceedings that day. In one viral video, she can be seen standing on a table, pointing her finger, and shouting. Another video shows parliamentary marshals restraining her and placing her back on the floor. Additional footage shows her lifting a chair in anger and clenching her fists to express her frustration.

Alongside criticism of her conduct, there has also been increased interest in her background and identity. Other notable incidents in the same session included expressions of anger from National Independent Party MP Ashika Tamang and marshals restraining UML MP Ain Mahar, which attracted considerable attention. Ringla was prominently involved in the protest and scuffle surrounding the approval of the House’s rules of procedure, a matter that drew widespread notice and raised questions about her motivations.

Ringla Yadav is originally from Nawalparasi (Bardaghat Susta West) and now resides in Palhinandan Rural Municipality-6, Western Nawalparasi. She contested the 2013 Constituent Assembly election but was defeated. Following that, she ran for the post of rural municipality vice-chairperson in the 2022 local elections, drawing some criticism. Despite losing that local election, UML facilitated her nomination to the House of Representatives via the proportional representation list on February 22, 2023, placing her first on the Madhesi women’s cluster.

As a freshly appointed MP, Ringla was relatively unknown to many until her conduct during the procedural amendment process brought her into the spotlight. A businesswoman as well, she is recognized as a key UML leader in Nawalparasi and runs Nepal Garment Pvt. Ltd., which employs around 40 to 50 people. Besides her entrepreneurial activities in agriculture, she also serves as the UML Nawalparasi deputy secretary.

Despite gaining prominence for her parliamentary demeanor, she has faced heavy criticism, with some accusing her of repeating destructive and chaotic behaviors akin to earlier parliamentary disruptions. Lawyer Sarita Tiwari condemned the incident on social media, stating, “Such clashes only further corrupt politics; this should not happen.” She emphasized that expressing dissent in a disrespectful and unhealthy manner disrupts the dignity of this honored institution representing the sovereign people.

Amid ongoing criticism, an interview was conducted with Ringla to discuss her viral behavior during the Monday parliamentary session:

Q: Your behavior in Parliament went viral and attracted criticism. What is your response?
A: Those who understand recognize that I am not acting selfishly. I am voicing issues for the country’s and people’s benefit. The Prime Minister can speak freely, but when the opposition requests amendments to rules, it isn’t heard. The Speaker should listen to all parties.

Q: Videos show you standing on the table, confronting marshals, and even throwing punches. How do you respond to that?
A: I am short in height and lost in the crowd, so I climbed onto the table to seize the microphone. Marshals tried to restrain me, and that was when these things happened. My intention is not to harm anyone.

Q: Previously, there were reports of chair throwing and brawls in Parliament, and in your case, you lifted a chair. What was the reason?
A: We were struggling to find space, and marshals pushed us, so I had to place the chair on the table. I never intended to hit anyone with it.

Q: You’ve been criticized for displaying a ‘Singham avatar’ in Parliament. What do you say?
A: I have no intention to break chairs. I am passionate and naturally outspoken, but I do not intend to hurt anyone. I am only asking for amendments to the rules.

Q: Do you think there could have been a better way to express dissent?
A: Options were limited given the circumstances. If the Speaker had listened to the opposition, this situation would not have arisen. We need respect and to be heard. The Prime Minister’s statements are accepted, so why shouldn’t ours be?

Q: So, your position is that you neither wanted to break chairs nor hit anyone?
A: Exactly. We did not come here to break furniture or fight.