After hemming and hawing for days, the Madhes-based parties have softened their stance on the constitution amendment bill and decided to support it in Parliament if the government revises it to address their concerns, especially on the provision pertaining to federal boundaries. 

The decision comes as a notable shift in regional parties’ approach, as they had earlier refused to take ownership of the bill—despite the fact that it was introduced at their insistence—saying that the proposal addressed none of their demands. 

A meeting of the Madhes-based parties affiliated to the Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha (SLMM) on Saturday concluded that the amendment bill has more or less addressed their concerns on three issues—citizenship, representation in the Upper House and working language of provinces. 

In a press statement issued after the meeting, the Morcha has said it is ready to assist the government to endorse the proposal in case the government agrees to revise it further. The Morcha has categorically expressed dissatisfaction with the government for not mentioning the five so-called disputed districts—Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari, Kailali and Kanchanpur—in the bill.

 The Morcha has also denounced the main opposition CPN-UML’s protest against the constitution amendment. Sadbhawana Party Co-chairman Laxman Lal Karna said the UML should immediately stop protest against the amendment as such actions could jeopardise national unity. “The Morcha has also decided to support the ongoing protest of the Tharus for their rights,” said Karna. Morcha’s statement, however, does not clarify what the regional parties would do if the government refuses to revise the bill. 

But some Morcha leaders said they would continue to press the government to revise the provision related to boundaries but hinted at supporting the bill even if their bid fails. 

 “The draft amendment has more or less addressed our concerns regarding language, representation in the Upper House and citizenship. The draft is also one step ahead on issues of the boundaries, but it doesn’t completely address our concerns. But I solution is not that far, as we are not demanding much,” said Tarai Madhes Loktantrik Party Vice-chairman Hridayesh Tripathi.

Despite Morcha’s change in stance, it remains unclear whether all the agitating parties will support the amendment bill. 

The Sanghiya Samajbadi Forum Nepal, led by Upendra Yadav, still appears firm on its position against the amendment. The SSF-N has 15 seats in Parliament.

SSF-N leaders insist that the party can support the bill only if the government revises it and redraws federal boundaries in line with the recommendations made by the erstwhile state restructuring commission.