The discussion of multi-identity state should be considered a normal course of transformation of a centralised state into a federal republic, leaders said. 

Nepali Congress leader Pradip Giri said the traditional Pahade Hindu nationality has been espoused by a certain class and ethnicity and especially in Kathmandu.

He was speaking at the launch of the Nepali edition of Prashant Jha’s book titled ‘Battles of the New Republic’ in the Capital on Sunday.

 “Madhes has the right to ask for its rights. The new constitution does not even provide them the rights guaranteed by the Interim Constitution,” said Giri. “Apart from a few provisions, this constitution is very much similar to the one drafted by king Mahendra.”

He said three mass protests in the Tarai since the abolition of monarchy in 2008 has asked, among other things, to redefine the nationalism 

forwarded by king Mahendra as the true national identity of Nepalis. Mahendra’s nationalism only endorsed Pahade Hindu identity as being truly Nepali.

Tarai Madhes Loktantrik Party Chairman Mahantha Thakur said Nepal can 

live as a single country with multiple nationalities, Madhes being the alternative nationality to traditional Nepali nationality. 

“Madhes has all the attributes to become a separate nation,” Thakur said. “We have a distinct culture, land, history and language.”

Jha’s book on contemporary Nepali politics has been translated by journalist Ujjwal Prasain and published by Fine Print. 

Journalist Narayan Wagle said Jha had embarked upon a difficult journey by writing 

a book on contemporary history as some parts of the book seem to be coloured by his personal biases. 

Researcher Surabhi Pudasaini said the book is missing stories from the viewpoint of different sections within the Madhesi community like women.

Giri notes that the new constitution is very much similar to the one drafted during king Mahendra’s era