Tough position of Nepali Congress and CPN-UML on delineation of federal provinces has delayed consensus with the agitating Madhes-based parties, the UCPN (Maoist) has said.  

The main opposition has asked the ruling coalition to agree to split Kailali district to make a Tharu province from Nawalparasi till Bardiya. The Maoists is of the view that doing so would address the demand of the Madhes-based parties of two provinces in the Tarai region.  

The NC and UML, however, are not ready to split Kailali, saying the proposed federal commission should resolve the dispute related to state restructuring.

Maoists Vice-chairman Narayan Kaji Shrestha said: “If we address the demands of Tharu population right now, the federal commission will make the final decision. If the row over federalism is settled, it won’t be difficult to address the demands such as delineation of electoral constituencies.” The three major parties—NC, UML and Maoists— have said that they are ready to give primacy to population while delineating the constituencies.

Madhes-based parties have denounced the new constitution as regressive when it comes to the delineation of electoral constituencies. They have also taken exception on the policy regarding social justice and inclusion.

The current provision states making special arrangements for the Madhesi community to have equal distribution on benefits of economic, social and cultural opportunities, and also for the protection, progress and empowerment and development of the very poor and backward classes within the community.

The Madhes-centric parties want to ensure that proportional policy is adopted by amending the constitution.

Maoists leader Shrestha said that they were ready to ensure proportional representation of Madhes in the constitution through amendments.