Miscellaneous
How can Congress solve Madhes issues?
What we should not forget is that the people of the Tarai are also Nepali citizens and their issues are national issues. The Nepali Congress will always stand alongside the Madhesi people and address all their concerns.Rameshwor Prasad Kewat
Parsa-5
The amendment to the new constitution has resolved most of the issues of Madhes. The only thing that is left now is finding an amicable solution to the issue of state demarcation. But some Madhes-based parties are trying to mislead the people of Madhes saying that the constitution is against them. They are doing this deliberately for political gains. We have to clear these misunderstandings. The Madhes-based parties are better left out of this process, as the Nepali Congress can comprehensively represent the Madhesi community.
Surendra Prasad Chaudhary
Dhanusha-3
All the contentious issues of the Madhes have been resolved. But we have to consider revising the number of states in the plains. It does not matter whether the number of provinces is increased to eight or even to nine just to please the citizens. There should be at least two provinces in Madhes. What we should not forget is that the people of the Tarai are also Nepali citizens and their issues are national issues. The Nepali Congress will always stand alongside the Madhesi people and address all their concerns.
Gopal Thapa
Morang-8
National political process should incorporate all Nepali citizens irrespective of from where they hail—the plains or the hills. The issues prevalent in Madhes should be resolved through dialogue. The most pressing issue of state demarcation can be addressed through consensus among political parties. But it is not that only a handful of Madhes-based parties are carrying these issues. Nepali people are with the Nepali Congress and the onus lies with us to give them what they need.
Gopalman Rajbhandari
Rupandehi-2
Madhes is the base of the Nepali Congress. The current convention has to improve the organisational structure of the party in the plains and has to address the issues that have created confusion. This can be done by reaching out to the people there. We have to intensify talks with the people and political groups there and bring them into confidence to resolve their justifiable issues. During the Tarai protests and border blockade, it was difficult for us and our cadres to visit the plains to bring the situation under control. But it is only the NC which can address all the pressing issues.
Shrijana Adhikari
Chitwan-3
Political power is meant for devolution and we cannot stay rigid on our stances. The Tarai cannot be ignored as it is an integral part of Nepal, and the Nepali Congress has to empower the Madhesi community. The General Convention needs to deliberate the issue of state demarcation seriously. In Chitwan, people still believe that the NC can address their concerns, and they have been demanding that we [our party] resolve the political issues. We have to come up with clear-cut policies so that we can deliver on the trust of the people.
Sangita Kumari Tharu
Banke-1
The Nepali Congress has to take along the Madhesi people in national political process in an inclusive manner. The people there are also Nepali citizens and their concern is national concern. If the new leadership can make good on people’s wishes, the current problems can be resolved. I trust the party to hold meaningful dialogue for resolving the issue of state demarcation. Everything will be solved after the General Convention.
Taranath Dahal
Sindhupalchok-3
The Nepali Congress has to take the responsibility and address the problems of Madhes as it is the primary foundation of the NC. It is the duty of the NC to take along the issues of Madhes towards a concrete resolution. The General Convention should come up with a clear vision for Madhes and give a message to the people that the NC is the guardian of Madhes andolan. However, 60 percent of issues have already been resolved through constitution amendment proposed by the NC. The remaining issues, including state demarcation and citizenship, should be resolved through a political process and reform in laws.
Laxmi Khatiwada
Sunsari-1
The General Convention will deliberate extensively on Madhesi issues. It is clear that Kathmandu has not been able to fully comprehend the issues there, so we have to listen to representatives from the plains to understand the problems. It is better if they raise the issues instead of us dictating from here. But I am sure that after the convention, we will come up with clear policies on all contentious issues.