Madhesi and Janajati parties affiliated to the Federal Alliance (Sanghiya Gathabandhan) boycotted Saturday’s budget session as part of their ongoing protest against the government and new constitution. 

More than three dozen parliamentarians representing Madhesi and Janajati constituencies walked out of Parliament just before Finance Minister Bishnu Poudel presented the budget for the fiscal year 2073/74. Disgruntled leaders chanted slogans against the government, accusing it of neglecting the concerns of marginalised communities. 

Ashok Rai, senior leader of the Sanghiya Samajbadi Forum Nepal, said the parties decided to boycott Parliament as part of the continuing protest against government apathy towards finding a solution to the Tarai crisis. 

“It appears to be the mother of all populist budgets unveiled by the post-1990 governments. It cannot be implemented when the country’s economy is not doing well,” said Rai. He said that the government should resolve the Madhes crisis first if the government really intends to implement the budget. 

The government has also announced that martyr status will be given to those who died during the Madhes movement. Compensation will be provided to the families of the deceased protesters, the government announced. Madhesi parties, who had long been demanding the government to fulfil the non-political demands, described it as positive move.