Madhesi Janadhikar Forum-Loktantrik (MJF-L) and its allies have suggested major political parties to form a consensus government that, according to them, could provide way out from the current political crisis.  MJF-L Chairman Bijay Gachhadar has intensified meetings with cross-party leaders in the recent days to make environment for consensus government as per the past understanding.

“Our Chairman (Gachhadar) has asked top leaders of three parties to move as per the past understanding, keeping national interests into consideration. Formation of majority government will only worsen the current situation,” , MJF-L General Secretary Ram Janam Chaudhary said on Thursday.

 In the last five days, Gachhadar, a signatory to the 16-point agreement that eventually paved way for promulgation of the constitution, has met with Nepali Congress President and Prime Minister Sushil Koirala, CPN-UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli and UCPN (Maoist) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal.

Gachhadar has also hinted at joining the consensus government if major parties agreed to resolve disputes over federal set-up. MJF-L, which did not take part in the constitution promulgation process, wants formation of three provinces in Tarai, but has said that it is also open to other alternatives, including sharing two districts into hills and the plain.

NC and UML are in preparations to form a majority government against the backdrop of diminishing prospect of consensus government.

Gachhadar-led Sanghiya Loktantrik Morcha (SLM) and some other Madhesi parties believe that formation of a majority government will affect the concerns of Madhesi parties.

Though Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha (SLMM) as a whole has remained silent on the issue of government formation, the individual party in the alliance have differing positions. While some thinks that a majority government is necessary to address the demands of Madhesis, others think it would not make any difference as government formation and constitution crisis are different issues.

“Though we did not take part in the constitution drafting process, we are still in Parliament,” said Sanghiya Samajbadi Forum Nepal Chairman Upendra Yadav, hinting that they might also take part in the government formation if their demands are addressed.  

Yadav said choosing two major parties over others was a difficult task. He said that his party will withdraw the protest only when their demands are addressed. Yadav said that registration of amendment proposal to amend some disputed issues without prior consultation has raised doubt on the intention of major parties. The government on Wednesday registered a amendment proposal in Parliament to make changes in the election constituency delineation and inclusive and proportional representation in all bodies.   

Laxman Lal Karna, co-chair of Sadbhawana party, acknowledged that a government falling short of two-third majority might affect their concerns.

“We are least interested on the government. Our concern at the moment is our demands,” said Karna, who is also a member of the SLMM talks team.