After a series of informal talks, the government and Madhesi parties are scheduled to start formal talks on Sunday to discuss on substantive political agendas in resolving the Tarai issues as agreed earlier.

Interlocutors from both sides are hopeful that both sides will make their position clear on numerous issues including the revision in the federal setup.

“There has been an understanding to sit in for formal talks on Sunday. We are hopeful that the government will come with substantive political issues as agreed during the informal talks,” said Laxman Lal Karna, Co-chair of Sadbhawana Party.

Talk’s panel representing government and Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha (SLMM) had held several rounds of informal discussion in last one week to create conducive environment for talks.

The government has repeated commitment to address most of the demands but has not shown eagerness in entering into discussion at the heart of contention: the federal setup.

Madhesi parties have demanded to split the entire Tarai plain into two provinces but are unwilling to comprise on number or disputed districts. “It’s not that whatever we are demanding should be met. There will obviously be some give and take on both sides. But the problem is we haven’t been really able to enter into real discussion on the issues due to reluctance of major parties,” said Hridesh Tripathi, leader of Tarai Madhes Loktantrik Party.

Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha, a Madhesi front at the forefront of the current protest, has also started internal discussion to bring uniformity in their demand pertaining to federal setup. Discussions are also on alternatives of two states model and district at the heart of federal disputes.

The government talks panel have also begun consultation with coalition partner to discuss on the demands of Madhesi parties. “We are planning to hold a meeting with the prime minister and top leaders of other parties to discuss on political issues related with Madhes on Sunday,” said Ram Janam Chaudhary, a minister without portfolio. The meeting could not take place after PM KP Sharma Oli remained busy throughout the day to discuss with other parties to discuss on election of new president.