KATHMANDU, APRIL 3: Hundreds of leaders and cadres of the Federal Alliance (FA), an alliance of Madhesi and Janajati parties, took to the streets of the Capital on Monday in a show of strength, resulting in a brief traffic jam in downtown Kathmandu.

Madhesi and Janajati parties have been demanding amendment to the constitution before going to the local polls. The fringe parties have also insisted on need for putting the polls process on hold until a consensus is reached between the government and agitating forces.

Over a thousand protesters took out rallies from Shantibatika and Ratnapark before converging into a corner assembly at New Road. The protesters shouted slogans against the constitution and the elections. They also demanded immediate resolution of the Madhes crisis through the amendment of the constitution before the polls.

As the gulf with the major parties over the elections widens, Madhesi and Janajati parties have intensified protests throughout the country.

Leaders of Federal Socialist Forum Nepal, a key constituent of the Federal Alliance, said they will unveil further protest programs of if there is no breakthrough in widens talks. "We still hope the government will work to accommodate our concerns before going to the polls. If the government refuses to budge, we will further intensify our protests against the polls," said FSPN senior leader Ashok Rai.

 
• federal alliance
 
• took streets
 
• capital
 
• brief traffic jam