Miscellaneous
TMLP chairman hints at unification of Madhesi parties to boost protest
Tarai Madhes Loktantrik Party (TMLP) Chairman Mahantha Thakur has said his party was positive about unification among the Madhes based parties.Tarai Madhes Loktantrik Party (TMLP) Chairman Mahantha Thakur has said his party was positive about unification among the Madhes based parties.
Stressing the need to unite fringe parties for strengthening the ongoing political movement against the constitution, Thakur said the unification was also important for electoral success and political significance of the regional parties in their fighting for equality of marginalised communities.
“It’s a good thing that many leaders from across the party line are gradually questioning whether we need so many parties in Madhes,” Thakur told the Post, adding that the unification among the agitating parties was possible as all parties have more or less similar agendas.
“Unification isn’t too far-fetched as we already are in the same alliance.”
Thakur’s remarks come at a time when senior Madhesi leaders from across the party line are in favour of converting the existing Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha into a political party. Leaders advocating for the unity argue that the presence of several fringe parties have weakened their position at the centre. They also claim that the unification is also necessary to revive the waning movement for a greater autonomy of Madhes. Thakur, however, denied holding discussion with any parties on the unification.
Last week, Sadbhawana Party Chairman Rajendra Mahato had said that efforts were under way to forge a unity with the Tarai Madhes Loktantrik Party. “Leaders of both the parties—TMLP and Sadbhawana—have felt a need for unity. We will propose unity with other parties as well,” Mahato told reporters at an interaction programme in the Capital last week.
Mahato had informally proposed unity among the parties during the inauguration ceremony of TMLP’s General Convention in Nawalparasi on June 20.