Expressing reservations over the state demarcation in the new constitution, Madhesi Janadhikar Forum -Loktantrik (MJF-L) on Tuesday announced its decision to quit the constitution drafting process.

The MJF-L had earlier announced to quit the Constituent Assembly (CA) process after the four major parties tabled a joint amendment proposal and refused budge from the proposed seven-state federal set-up. The party has been demanding for eight states in the constitution claiming that it was the only solution to the ongoing protests against state demarcation across the country.

MJF-L Chairman Gachhadar today met CA Chairman Subash Chandra Nembang and informed the latter about his party’s decision to quit the national charter process. Gachhadar, during the meeting, reaffirmed that the eight-state model was the only way out of the current crisis.

Ram Janam Chaudhary, General Secretary of MJF-L, said that the party would return to the CA process only if the parties agree to adopt the eight-model set-up. “We want our demands fulfilled. We will not return to the process until our demands are met,” he said to the Post. 

Gachhadar, a signatory of the 16-point deal, has been expressing reservations over the seven-state model, claiming that it would not address the grievances of the Madhes region.