After the Supreme Court annulled the registration of the party led by Ashok Rai, questions have arisen regarding the legal status of its public representatives. The Janata Samajwadi Party (JSP) Nepal, led by Upendra Yadav, is preparing to seek clarifications from the MPs of Lumbini and Koshi provinces who sided with Ashok Rai’s faction. Rai stated that the court’s verdict has opened a new path for unified progress with other parties. Kathmandu, 22 Jestha — Following the Supreme Court’s refusal to recognize Ashok Rai’s JSP party, JSP Nepal led by Upendra Yadav has decided to ask for clarifications from provincial assembly members, ministers, and local representatives elected under that party.
In 2081 BS, the Election Commission had registered Ashok Rai’s faction as a separate party after splitting from JSP Nepal. Against this decision, Upendra Yadav’s party had filed a writ petition in the Supreme Court. The full bench of judges Kumar Regmi, Mahesh Sharma Paudel, and Shrikant Paudel dismissed the registration of Rai’s party, effectively voiding its legal status.
Following the Supreme Court’s ruling, the party-affiliated status of representatives elected under Rai’s faction has come into question. Legally, these representatives are now considered members of JSP Nepal. The party is preparing to request clarifications on allegations of disciplinary violations regarding party splits. Minister for Internal Affairs and Law of Lumbini Province, Order Kumar Agrawal, along with Lumbini MP Bhandarilal Ahir and Koshi MP Nirmala Limbu, will be asked to provide explanations. Manish Suman, spokesperson for JSP Nepal, confirmed that these individuals had joined the Ashok Rai-led Janata Samajwadi Party during the division of JSP Nepal.
According to Suman, legal proceedings to remove legislators who have left the party for another will be initiated. “The party will first seek clarifications, after which legal procedures will follow,” he said. Koshi Provincial Assembly member Nirmala Limbu stated that she cannot be punished under the defection law, asserting, “I have not left the party nor joined another. Due to leadership disagreements and party splits, I chose to remain with JSP Nepal.” Lumbini MP Ahir mentioned that they are currently consulting and will decide their next steps after reviewing the full Supreme Court order and the Election Commission’s decision. “We are in discussions and will reach a conclusion after reviewing the Commission’s decision,” he said.
Since the divided faction did not obtain recognition, Ashok Rai will need to rename the party. JSP leader Yograj Limbu shared that discussions are ongoing on how to strengthen the party after the Supreme Court ruling. Chairman Rai noted that the decision opens new paths forward. “This verdict should not cause confusion but is a call to remain active as it paves the way for a new unified approach with other parties,” Rai wrote on Facebook. “Therefore, this is being viewed as an opportunity to promptly initiate the process of forming a unified party.”
