The Nepali Congress and the CPN (Maoist Centre) have agreed, in principle, to find a political solution to the Tarai crisis “in exchange for support” of the Sanghiya Gathabandhan, an alliance of Madhesi and Janajati parties, in the government formation process.

The Gathbandhan’s support will be a must for Maoist Centre Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal to get elected as the new prime minister in the 595-member Parliament, as he will need at least 298 votes to prove his majority.

The Maoist Centre, the NC and the Gathabandhan, which have prepared a three-point draft aiming a political solution to the Tarai crisis, are expected to sign the agreement on Wednesday morning before the prime ministerial election. Parliament is set to start election of the new prime minister at 11am on Wednesday.

“We will hold discussions with the NC and Maoist leadership on Wednesday morning again to finalise the content of the agreement,” Sanghiya Samajbadi Forum-Nepal Chairman Upendra Yadav told the Post.

SSF-N leaders said the NC and the Maoist Centre “have some reservations about the three-point draft submitted by the Gathabandhan.”

According to the interlocutors, the Gathabandhan has sought “categorical assurances” on revision of federal boundaries by taking identity and capability into account and wants it to be reflected in the wordings of the agreement.

Madhesi leaders said the Gathabandhan allies will vote for Dahal “if everything goes as expected”.

Earlier on Tuesday, SSF-N Chairman Yadav, Tarai Madhes Loktantrik Party General Secretary Sarbendra Nath Shukla and Sadbhawana Party Co-Chair Laxman Lal Karna were present at the Parliament Secretary to support Dahal when the latter filed his candidacy for the post of prime minister.

Gathabandhan leaders, who are holding negotiations with the NC and the Maoist Centre, said there, however, would be separate understanding on power sharing.

“The idea is joining the government once a fresh constitution amendment proposal by incorporating remaining demands of the Madhes-based parties is registered in Parliament,” said Rajendra Shrestha of the SSF-N. 

• The new government will address the Sanghiya Gathabandhan’s preconditions, which include declaring those killed during the Madhes agitation martyrs, bearing medical expenses of the injured and providing compensation to the kin of the deceased
• The government will seek political consensus based on the 11-point demand of the Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha and 26-point demand of the Sanghiya Gathabandhan and register a constitution amendment proposal in Parliament
• The Gathabandhan, which includes the Morcha, will support Pushpa Kamal Dahal in prime ministerial election