Kathmandu: In a significant development, seven members of parliament (MPs) from the Janata Samajbadi Party (JSP) have filed an application with the Election Commission (EC) seeking legitimacy, signaling a potential fracture within the party.

MP Sushila Shrestha, speaking to Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS), confirmed that a group of seven MPs led by Ashok Rai submitted the application, asserting their claim to legitimacy. Shrestha emphasized that their numbers are growing, with more MPs expressing solidarity with their cause.

Explaining the rationale behind their action, Shrestha cited the necessity to effectively convey their agenda to the public and bolster internal democratic processes within the party.

Meanwhile, it's noteworthy that another faction within the party has previously filed a similar application, with party Chairperson and Deputy Prime Minister Upendra Yadav currently abroad in the US.

Assistant Spokesperson of the EC, Ramdutta Pande, confirmed the receipt of the application and stated that the EC is examining the matter.

Presently, the JSP holds 12 seats in the federal parliament, with seven MPs aligning with Rai's group to assert their legitimacy.

The MPs signing the application include Ashok Rai, Nawal Kishore Shah Sudi, Pradeep Yadav, Ranju Jha, Birendra Mahato, Hasina Khan, and Sushila Shrestha. Reports suggest that nine members from the central executive committee and 27 from the central committee support Rai's faction.

As tensions escalate within the JSP, the party braces for potential ramifications stemming from the internal discord, highlighting the fragility of political alliances in Nepal's dynamic landscape.