Kathmandu, July 9 -- Sarita Giri, on Thursday, was officially expelled from the Samajbadi Party, and consequently as a Member of Parliament, in the culmination of a series of events over the past few weeks that illustrate just how difficult it is for outspoken women in Nepali politics.

Giri had opposed the government's constitutional amendment bill to update the map on the country's national emblem. The new map, issued by the government in retaliation for India's opening of a link road via the Lipulekh area, included all territories disputed with India, and had drawn unanimous support from across the political spectrum as an issue of "national sovereignty and territorial integrity".

Giri was the lone voice in opposition, going against h...