Even as the agitating Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha (SLMM) has decided to boycott the constitution amendment process, Tharu parties have reached a conclusion that registering revisions from their sides would address some of the concerns of the SLMM.

Expressing dissatisfaction over the Constitution Amendment Bill tabled by the government, at least two parties, including the ruling Madhesi Janadhikar Forum-Loktantrik (MJF-L), have decided to register amendments, seeking revision in the bill. Another party that has decided to register amendments is Sanghiya Loktantrik Rastriya Manch (Tharuhat).

Separate meetings of office bearers of the MJF-L and Sanghiya Loktantrik Rastriya Manch (Tharuhat) on Wednesday decided to seek “a total revision” to the bill, saying the proposed amendment to the constitution does not address the concerns of the Madhesi and Tharu people.

The amendments from both the parties, to be registered on Thursday, seek revision in the number of clusters entitled to protection from state in Article 42 and change in the criteria for the delineation of electoral constituencies as envisioned in Article 84.

Sanghiya Loktantrik Rastriya Manch (Tharuhat) is one of the eight agitating parties protesting in the streets and Parliament.

The four Madhesi parties under the SLMM, however, have decided not to register amendments, arguing that the bill was tabled without holding any consultation with them and that it does not address their concerns.

Any lawmaker who wants a revision to the bill can register an amendment proposal by Thursday evening.

MJF-L Chief Whip Yogendra Chaudhary  said they are against the provision in Article 42 which calls for reservation to 17 clusters against seven in the Interim Constitution. He said his party seeks to retain the seven clusters from the Interim Constitution and add two more (Tharu and Muslim) groups. Article 42 of the constitution has enlisted 17 clusters, including Khas-Arya, Dasnami and farmers. Rukmini Chaudhary, Chairperson of Sanghiya Loktantrik Rastriya Manch (Tharuhat), said her party will also register amendment seeking to lower the number of clusters and incorporate total proportional representation.

The MJF-L will also register amendment against allocating at least one electoral constituency for each district, arguing that districts make no sense as the country has already adopted federal set up and three-tier governance system.

The party’s amendment will seek to allocate constituencies based on population from respective states, keeping in mind representation from the rural hilly areas. “We are reaching out to the agitating Madhesi parties and Madhesi and Tharu lawmakers from different ruling parties to garner support for the amendment,” he said.

The Sushil Koirala-led government on October 8 had registered the Constitution Amendment Bill in Parliament, seeking to amend Articles 42, 84 and 286 of the Constitution of Nepal to ensure proportional inclusive representation of the marginalised communities in state bodies and delineation of electoral constituencies prioritising population, with at least one electoral constituency in each district. The theoretical discussion that started on December 28 concluded

on Monday, allowing lawmakers to register amendments in 72 hours.

Clause-wise discussions, however, will start only after a week, as Speaker Onsari Gharti is in Bangkok to see her ailing husband and UCPN (Maoist) leader Barsha Man Pun who is undergoing treatment in the Thai capital.

SLMM meeting to chalk out future plan

Top leaders of the Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha (SLMM) are scheduled to hold an internal meeting on Thursday to discuss alternatives to the ongoing border-centric protests among other burning issues.

SLMM leaders said the meeting is likely to take substantial decisions in relation to protests at border entry points with India.

“The meeting will discuss all issues, including obstructions at border entry points. But it’s too early to give details, as we have to hear our allies out before taking any decision,” said Tarai Madhes Loktantrik Party Chair Mahantha Thakur.

On Wednesday, The first meeting of representatives of three major parties and the SLMM held a brief discussion on Morcha’s 11-point demand. Leaders present in the meeting said discussions would continue on Thursday. “We held general discussions on Morcha’s demands. We will discuss each demand of

the Morcha during Thursday’s meeting after holding consultations with our top leaders,” said Mahesh Acharya , a Nepali Congress leader. (PR)