Ahead of their planned protest, the Madhes-based parties are reaching out to Janajati communities, including Tharu groups, to form an alliance in a bid to put collective pressure on the government to address their remaining demands.

Leaders from different parties said that discussions were underway to launch protests across the country, including in Kathmandu, from May.

Earlier, the central secretariat of the Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha, an alliance of seven Madhes-based parties, had suggested the leadership that the Morcha seek closer ties with other disgruntled groups.

More than a dozen regional parties representing the Madhesi, Janajati and Tharu communities have been demanding greater autonomy in the state restructuring. “There is growing realisation among Madhesi and Janajati communities, including Tharus, on the need of launching a unified protest as these are our common agendas. Discussions are underway,” said Ashok Rai, senior leader of the Sanghiya Samajbadi Forum Nepal.

However, it is not the first time the agitating groups are holding discussion for a broader alliance.

Several talks held in the past had failed to bear fruits. Despite their common grievances, each group has been raising conflicting demands.

While the Madhes-based parties have been demanding two provinces along the plains, majority of the Tharu group insist that there should be more than three provinces. Regional parties like Bijaya Gachhadar-led Madhesi Janadhikar Forum-Loktantrik and Raj Kumar Lekhi-led Nepal Nagarik have been demanding separate Tharu provinces in the East and West.

Madhes-based parties’ demand for two provinces also contradicts the demand for Magarat and Limbuwan provinces.

Lekhi said that his party has been demanding more than four provinces along the plains as it would end disputes for good.

“There are considerable differences among us when it comes to agendas. But an alliance of the agitating parties is necessary to pile press on the government,” said Lekhi.