National
Madhes-based parties intensifies talks
After positive outcome in Province 2 local polls, Madhes-based parties are engaged in informal talks for a possible electoral alliance in the upcoming provincial and federal parliament elections.After positive outcome in Province 2 local polls, Madhes-based parties are engaged in informal talks for a possible electoral alliance in the upcoming provincial and federal parliament elections.
Three major Madhes-based parties—Sanghiya Samajbadi Forum-Nepal (SSF-N), Rastriya Janata Party-Nepal (RJP-N) and Madhes Janadhikar Forum-Loktantrik (MJF-L)—are in favour of a broader Madhesi alliance and have started negotiations with each other. “Informal discussions are underway to forge an electoral alliance.
We will sit for formal negotiations soon,” said RJP-N General Secretary Keshav Jha.
“Following the results of Province 2 local polls, we have concluded that the Upendra Yadav-led SSF-N will be our major coalition partner in Province 2,” Jha said, adding that there could be alliances with major parties as well in other provinces.
He said talks were also underway with the Bijaya Kumar Gachhadar-led MJF-L. In the recently concluded Province 2 local polls, both the SSF-N and RJP-N put up a strong showing, winning 26 and 25 local units respectively. The MJF-L won in three local units.
According to leaders, SSF-N Chair Yadav has requested the RJP-N to come up with a concrete proposal to forge an electoral alliance.
Yadav is of the view that any electoral alliance should be based on the convergence of agenda. “There is a need for electoral alliance to establish the agenda of Madhes,” said SSF-N Chair Yadav.
The relationship between the SSF-N and the RJP-N had soured before the local elections. When Yadav decided to participate in the first two phases of local polls, the RJP-N leaders blamed him of betraying the Madhes agenda.
If they contest the election separately, they might not get 3 percent votes as required to attain the status of a national party as per the Political Parties Act 2017. (PR)