Ruling RSP's 'federalism without provinces' plan: How feasible is it?

Debate over the future of federalism has intensified after the ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) made abolishing provincial assemblies part of its political agenda.

The economic-political report by Deputy Chair Dr Swarnim Wagle, passed at the party's first general convention, includes a proposal to abolish provincial assemblies.

The report outlines a framework for restructuring federalism that includes a directly elected prime minister, a provision barring lawmakers from becoming ministers, and party-less local governments.

However, before the House of Representatives election held on 2082 Falgun 21, the RSP had not brought a clear agenda to abolish the provinces. The tenth point of the party's election manifesto had instead mentioned a "reformed provincial structure."

During the campaign, at a rally in Janakpur, the party's senior leader and current Prime Minister Balendra Shah had taken the position of strengthening federalism further. RSP leaders had appeared active in shedding an anti-federalism image in Madhesh.

With nearly a decade passed since federalism was implemented, there have been allegations that provincial governments have become costly, weak, and a platform for managing party cadres.

Questions have arisen over whether removing the provinces and keeping only the federal and local levels would preserve the spirit of federalism. A debate has also begun over whether the provincial structure itself has failed, or whether it is the leadership running it that has failed.

How this proposal addresses the question of federalism, which arose from demands for identity and historical grievances, has also become a subject of debate.