The new political equation in Madhesh Province has triggered intense debate, and the situation has drawn further attention after Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) provincial lawmaker Kanchan Bichchha revealed that she consulted party chair Rajendra Lingden before joining the provincial government.
Bichchha, the only RPP representative in the Madhesh Provincial Assembly, has faced strong reactions after becoming a minister in the UML-led government. The controversy escalated after Chief Minister Saroj Kumar Yadav appointed her to the cabinet and later came under criticism for taking his oath of office at a hotel.
According to Bichchha, she had discussed the political developments with Chair Lingden in the early phase of government formation. Speaking to reporters, she said, “I had sought the chairman’s opinion regarding joining the government. He told me that decisions could be taken depending on the situation.”
She said her decision to join the cabinet was driven by her commitment to advocate for Madheshi people and strengthen her party’s organizational presence in the province. “The situation itself pushed me toward joining the Cabinet. It felt necessary at that moment,” she added.
However, soon after she assumed her ministerial responsibilities, Chair Lingden instructed her to withdraw from the government. Bichchha has not stepped down, intensifying internal tensions within the party.
Meanwhile, the RPP’s Discipline Committee has sought clarification from her. The committee’s initial recommendations include discussing the possibility of removing her from both her proportional representation seat and party membership.
As the political alignment in Madhesh Province continues to shift, public attention remains focused on how Bichchha’s role — and the party’s internal dispute — will unfold in the coming days.
