The leadership of the Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha faces increased criticism of its plan to join the government after the registration of a constitution amendment proposal in Parliament.

Morcha leaders have hinted that the agitating parties would join the government once an amendment proposal is tabled, possibly in the next three months.

But some Madhes party leaders, who are against the idea, are campaigning to press the Morcha leaders against joining the government until the House endorses the amendments.

The ruling Nepali Congress and the CPN (Maoist Centre) have said they will register the amendment proposal after negotiation with the Morcha.

“There is still no guarantee that the amendment proposal will be endorsed. The Madhesi constituency will stop believing us if we rushed to join the government by accepting yet another blank cheque,” said a senior Morcha leader who did not want to be named.

While Madhesi leaders who are members of Parliament have supported the idea of joining the government, many others who have no representation in the House oppose the plan.

Although five out of seven chairmen of the parties affiliated to the Morcha are no MPs, sources said many are planning to send their spouses to the Cabinet.

“It’s too early to comment as there might be changes in the plan depending on the flexibility the NC and the Maoists will have for resolving the disputed issues,” said Tarai Madhes Loktan-trik Party Vice-chairman Hridayesh Tripathi.

Discussions are ongoing between Morcha leaders and government interlocutors over the formation of a new panel to find settlement on the disputed issues of the constitution. “We will soon form a joint panel to negotiate on the disputed issues,” said Sadbhawana Party Co-chair Laxman Lal Karna.