KATHMANDU, May 12: Federal Socialist Forum Nepal (FSFN) Chairman Upendra Yadav has once again defended his party's decision to take part in the local polls stating that the move was necessary to safeguard the historic achievements and lead the country toward peace and prosperity. Addressing a function in the capital on Friday, Yadav said that the party came on board  the elections process after carefully analyzing the pros and cons of the polls.
 
"I remember the current state of my motherland and felt like joining elections is the only way to institutionalize the historic achievements and take the country forward," Yadav told reporters during the interaction.

Ignoring the agitating Madhesi parties' official position to boycott the polls process, FSFN had earlier decided to take part in the first phase of the local elections on the very eve of candidacy nominations. Other disgruntled parties including the Rastriya Janata Party Nepal have so far refused to participate in the elections. 

Though the RJPN has been accusing Yadav of betraying the Madhes movement, Yadav said that he is still committed to the grievances of the Madhesi and other agitating communities.
 
"The decision to take part in the polls should be seen as part of the ongoing struggle," said Yadav. He said that the local elections will safeguard the historic achievements including federalism, republicanism and secularism which he claimed are under threat from regressive forces.

 
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• yadav