It may be recalled that the aforementioned three parties have in recent weeks and months suffered defection of considerable number of middle-rung leaders to other Madhes-based parties including Bijaya Gachchhadar´s Madhesi People´s Rights Forum-Democratic. Three central committee members from Giri´s party had recently defected to Anil Jha-led Federal Sadbhavana Party. [break]
Talking to Republica, Giri said they aim to consolidate their strength in view of the CA poll. "Unification will eventually enable us to win more seats in the Tarai," said Giri.
"We will also forge alliance with other Madhes-based parties," she said.
TMDP-Nepal senior leader Dan Bahadur Chaudhary has said they will hold final negotiations on Wednesday and make unification announcement. "We have yet to decide on the name of the new unified party and its leader. We don´t have any dispute regarding party positions," added Chaudhary.
He also informed that his party has formally abandoned the "One Madhes One Province" demand. "We are for two provinces in Madhes as majority of the people in Madhes are against the idea of one Madhes," he added.
A senior leader from Giri´s party requesting anonymity said Anil Jha-led Federal Sadbhavana Party is all set to join Thakur-led TMDP. But the leader said there is no possibility of unification between his party and Jha´s party. "Anil Jha has gone too far and we can´t forge any alliance or unification with him," he said.
Sources meanwhile said Anil Jha has been demanding the post of general secretary or some other higher position in Thakur´s TMDP. As soon as the position issue is settled, he will join TMDP. "As Anil Jha´s party has lost ground in Madhes and his political career at risk, he is now left with no other option than to unify with TMDP," said Pashupatinath Jha, a political analyst.
Meanwhile, sources have revealed that Rajendra Mahato-led SP and TMDP are working to unifiy in a few weeks´ time.
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