LAHAN, March 20: After CK Raut gave up his secessionist agenda, his 'craze' has started dwindling of late. Raut's cadres announced to felicitate him on Tuesday at Sahid Chowk of Lahan. Accordingly, the cadres stood at the chowk with garlands and vermilion powder.

When Raut arrived at 1 pm, he accepted the felicitation but did not utter even a word. None of the residents greeted Raut. He then silently left in his Scorpio vehicle (16 Cha 7548) for Rupani of Saptari. It is not his first visit to Sahid Chowk. Raut was at the same place three years ago to accept felicitation. The scenario was completely different at that time. Police had planned to arrest him after encirclement but it could not succeed due to large numbers of his supporters on the street.

Tuesday's incident could point out that Raut's popularity has decreased after he renounced the secessionist movement. Raut gave up his secessionist demand by signing an agreement with the government on March 8. Following the agreement, the leader of the Alliance for Independent Madhes, recently launched a new party named Janamat Party to join the mainstream politics. A two-day conclave of the party held on March 17-18 also decided to participate in elections.                        

The newly-formed party has stated that it will continue its struggle to safeguard the rights of the people in line with the Constitution of Nepal. The newly-formed party has also sought support from the people, media, civil society, political parties and civil society organizations.

 
• ck_raut
 
• party
 
• secessionist