With the core theme of identity-based federalism, equity-based prosperity and good-governance, the Sanghiya Samajbadi Forum-Nepal (SSF-N) on Monday unveiled its election manifesto for the upcoming federal and provincial elections.

Accusing the major parties Nepali Congress and CPN (Maoist Centre) of betraying the people by leaving the agenda of identity-based federalism, SSF-N Co-chair Rajendra Shrestha said his party would garner support for the cause.

The Maoist Centre has been silent on the agenda of identity-based federalism, following the party’s decision to join the left alliance aiming for an ultimate unity with the CPN-UML.

Portraying the UML as a major stumbling block to a progressive constitution, the SSF-N has spelled out in the manifesto that rewriting or amendment to the charter is its main agenda for struggle.

Addressing the session, Shrestha also came down heavily against both the NC and the left alliance for supporting different factions of the Rastriya Prajatantra Party that were against federalism, republicanism and secularism.

Comparatively, the NC was positive on amending the constitution to give a way out to the problem in a democratic manner, but that could not happen due to the strong stance of the UML against identity-based federalism, the manifesto states.

The party has said it would restructure security organs and public administration as per the federal set-up. The manifesto has also stress the need for the SSF-N to form a third alliance, including forces that stand for identity and federalism. “Victories for the three major parties in the elections might plunge the nation into conflict. Political stability is only possible with SSF-N in power,” it claims.

The party has vouched for directly elected president in the centre, chief minister in the province, and selection of other officials through elections. The SSF-N has criticised both the parties in the left alliance for excluding the agenda of a directly-elected president in their joint manifesto.

The SSF-N has formed an electoral alliance with the Rastriya Janata Party Nepal for Province 2. The SSF-N has fielded 17 candidates in federal polls and 33 in provincial polls, while the RJP-N has 15 candidates in the race for seats in the federal parliament and 31 in provincial assembly.

RJP-N General Secretary Keshav Jha said his party would reveal its manifesto within a few days.