In a bid to bring disgruntled Madhes-centric parties on board and end the crisis, major political parties have proposed to seek agreement in phases.

The parties have proposed to expedite the constitution amendment process by bringing changes to the amendment bills already tabled by the erstwhile Sushil Koirala-government in the first phase. However, before tabling the amendment bills, the ruling CPN-UML and UCPN (Maoist) and the main opposition Nepali Congress will discuss with the agitating Madhes-based parties to clarify

‘ambiguities’ in order to give them a sense of ownership of the proposal.

“Although it has not yet been disclosed, our senior leaders have already made their common position on how to address the demands raised by the them [ Madhes-based parties],” said Prime Minister KP Oli’s Chief Political Advisor Bishnu Rimal. He said that all disputes surrounding the constitution and boundaries would be resolved in phases.

In early October, the Koirala-led government had tabled an amendment proposal ensuring provisions of delineating election constituencies based on population with at least a election constituency in all 75 districts and inclusive representation of the marginalised—Dalit, Janajati and Madhesis—in state mechanism. But the Madhes-based parties seek some clarification on some ‘ambiguities’ in the

amendment bill.

The second phase of the agreement, according to leaders, would be to express political commitment on revising the existing seven-province model based on the recommendation of the would be formed Federal Commission or High-level Political Committee. The major parties plan to complete revision of boundaries within next three to six months. However, they have put forth the condition of immediately removing

the obstruction at border points once the amendments bills are passed.

The third phase of the agreement would be to seek consensus over the bordering of provinces either through the high-level political committee, parliamentary committee or other acceptable mechanism.

Major parties look to discuss these issues with the agitating parties before making such agreements. Leaders of agitating parties—Upendra Yadav of Samghiya Samajbadi Forum Nepal and Tarai Madhes Loktantrik Party Chairman Mahantha Thakur—have returned to Kathmandu as part of their efforts to continue talks with the major parties. Sources from both sides said that the duo arrived in the Capital on Thursday afternoon upon request from interlocutors of major parties.

“We are expecting a meeting with them to give a way out at the earliest. Let’s hope talks will yield positive result,” said Rimal.

Madhesi leaders, however, said ending the current political deadlock will totally depend on the proposal to be floated by the major parties.

“It might be too early to comment as we are yet to receive a concrete proposal. But we will not accept any offer without an advance deal on boundaries,” said Thakur.

In its 11-point demand submitted to major parties, Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha has sought amendment in the provision relating to electoral laws, proportional and inclusive representation besides asking immediate revision of the federal boundaries.

Morcha leaders said there should be at least a framework agreement on two provinces in the Tarai, with details to be worked out later.

Morcha leaders have also proposed to decide the fate of the five disputed districts of the east and west—Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari, Kailali and Kanchanpur—through a proper mechanism later.

Yadav warned that dialogue with the government is not possible in the shadow of the state-sponsored ‘terror’ in Tarai districts.

“Scores of Morcha cadres have been injured today after security forces open fired at a peaceful protest. Instead of creating a conducive environment, the government is working to disrupt talks,” Yadav claimed. Thakur, however, said that they would attend talks if major parties invite them.

Asked if the Morcha would consider the offer to finalise the boundaries later, TMLP General Secretary Sarbendra Nath Shukla said such agreement would not be acceptable.