Idea of one party in Madhes draws mixed reactions

KATHMANDU, JUL 08 -

At a time when Madhes-based parties continue to split, a proposal of the Tarai Madhes Loktantrik Party (TMLP) to form a single party by consolidating various Madhes-centric parties has drawn mixed reactions.

Some leaders of constituent parties of Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha-an alliance of the Madhes-based parties, of which the TMLP is a part—have welcomed the

proposal while others have expressed reservations.

The TMLP in its recent Central Committee meeting had proposed forming the single Madhes-based party and it also formed a three-member talk team headed by its Co-chairman Hridayesh Tripathy on Friday. The proposal comes at a time when the government has announced elections for a new Constituent Assembly to be held on November 22.

TMLP leaders maintained that the idea is to form a “big power” by uniting various fringe parties based in Madhes. They said though the move comes in the backdrop of a new election, it is “something which even Madhesi people desire”.

TMLP Spokesperson Sarvendra Nath Shukla said the people of Madhes would like to see a united party in the region “given that Madhes-based parties have split many times and have been accused of running only after power and money.” Shukla maintained that forming a single party would also help them secure the agenda of federalism.

Leader of Madhesi Janadhikar Forum-Gnatantrik Nandan Dutt maintained that the proposal is “a welcome idea”. But he cautioned that the parties should be able to assure the Madhesi people that their agendas would be upheld and strengthened. He also said it is important that there is a high level of confidence among the Madhesi people and leaders themselves.

“I would like to know how the leaders proposing for a single Madhes-based party would react to an official decision of our party to remove Rajkishore Yadav. They were silent when I was removed from the post of minister, a move which was against the party by-laws.”

Senior Vice-chairman of Madhesi Janadhikar Forum-Loktantrik Rameshwor Ray Yadav said though the move is good, there is still doubt whether leaders of various parties could be held together. “Given the background of Mahesi leaders, I find it to be a daunting task” Yadav remarked. Among the reasons for splits in the Madhesi parties, ideological backgrounds have played a key role. But Yadav pointed out towards personality clash as another important reason behind such splits.

Co-chairman of Sadhbhawana Party Laxman Lal Karna, however, said it would be too early to talk about a single party in Madhes. Terming the plan as an ambitious move, Karna said the TMLP should come up with concrete proposal on structure and objectives of such a single party. He even advised the TMLP leadership to first unite with Tarai Madhes Loktantrik Party-Nepal led by Mahendra Yadav which split from the TMLP itself.

Even analysts find the proposal a daunting task to accomplish. Madhes-based analyst Chandrakishore said the idea of forming a single party doesn’t correspond with the sentiment of Madhesi people.

“By voting for various parties in the last Constituent Assembly elections, Madhesi people have given their verdict in favour of a number of parties in the region”. Echoing Yadav, Chandrakishore said it is difficult to manage leaders who are already occupying senior positions in their parties.

MJF-G leaders seek Dahal’s help to recall Yadav

KATHMANDU: A majority of the Central Committee (CC) members of Madhesi Janadhikar Forum-Ganatantrik (MJF-G) on Saturday drew the attention of UCPN (Maoist) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal to relieve Minister for Information and Communications Rajkishore Yadav from the Cabinet at the earliest.

The disgruntled MJF-G leaders met Dahal at the latter’s residence to pressurise Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai to remove Yadav from the Cabinet. According to MJF-G senior leader Nandan Kumar Dutt, Chairman Dahal has assured them of holding discussions with both the prime minister and leaders of Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha of which the MJF-G is a part.

The MJF-G had removed Yadav from the post of officiating chairperson and CC member on June 26. The leaders have already held talks with PM Bhattarai, who according to Dutt had assured the MJF-G leaders of “acting positively”. Dutt and his supporters have also informed the Election Commission about the decision to remove Yadav. Yadav, however, has written to the EC claiming that he is legitimate officiating chairman of the party.

Source: http://www.ekantipur.com/2012/07/08/top-story/idea-of-one-party-in-madhes-draws-mixed-reactions/356785/