The endorsement of new constitution by the Constituent Assembly has elicited both  happiness and disdain in mid and western Tarai districts.

 While some people have welcomed the new constitution and are planning to organise a Deepawali on the day of its promulgation, others are planning to organise a blackout protest on the day. People in the latter group see the new constitution as an insult to the people of Tarai.

“We will not accept the constitution until our demands are duly addressed,” said Jangilal Raya of Kapilvastu. Raya is also a local leader of Samyukta Loktantrik Madhes Morcha, which is spearheading protests in Tarai districts against the seven-state federal model. “To show our disapproval we are organising an hour-long blackout on Sunday. We will also burn the copies of the new constitution.”

Chakra Bahadur Chhetri, former chairman of Kapilvastu chapter of Nepal Bar Association, meanwhile, has a different take about the new constitution. “Many people are relieved that the constitution has finally been approved,” he said.   

Kishwor Sapkota, a member of Chitwan Green Lions Club, said the demands of

disgruntled sides should also be addressed.

“We certainly are excited, but we also advise the major political leaders to incorporate the concerns of disaffected groups,” he said.

Prakash Chandra Shrestha, who works in the alternative energy sector, said the people had long awaited for this moment to arrive. “A new constitution was a long-held dream of the people and it has finally been fulfilled. It calls for a national celebration and we are doing just that on Sunday,” he said.

People in Rupandehi are also preparing to celebrate the new constitution by organising Deepawali.

Local civil society leader Babulal Yadav said the people of Rupandehi are glad to see the new constitution finally being approved by the Constituent Assembly. “We are going to celebrate in Madhes,” he said.

Social activist Namrata Pokharel said they are happy as the new constitution has provided equal rights to all citizens. People in Makawanpur have also welcomed the new constitution.

Writer Tulsi Thapa said the citizens of Nepal are happy that the new constitution was approved by more than two-thirds majority in the Constituent Assembly.