Sources said JP Gupta, a former CA member, is seeking to join TMDP in a bid to consolidate the strength of Madhes-based parties in the Constituent Assembly election.
Former CA member and member of JP Gupta-led campaign Sarita Kumari Sah revealed that preparations were on for merger of the Gupta-led group with TMDP. “Within 15 to 20 days, we along with Gupta will join TMDP for the cause of Madhes and Madhesi people,” said Sah, adding that there was still a chance for the Gupta-led group to join the Bijaya Kumar Gachchhadar-led Madhesi People´s Rights Forum-Democratic (MPRF-D).
According to party insiders, TMDP is also mulling a merger with Gachchhadar-led MPRF-D. “Our campaign will gain further momentum after unification with TMDP. This will eventually help us win seats in Madhes,” she added.
While confirming that internal negotiations for unification are under way, a senior TMDP leader seeking anonymity told Republica that JP Gupta was closer to his party. “We expect to make a formal announcement of JP Gupta-led group´s merger with our party,” he said. “And within a month or so our party will merge with Gachchhadar-led MPRF (Democratic).”
A senior TMDP leader, however, said that they would try their best to form a unified Madhesi party under the leadership of Mahantha Thakur. “This is the desire of India. India wishes to see a strong Madhesi party under Thakur,” the leader revealed.
The leader said that they will have one important agenda of a single Madhes province. “We are ready for alliance or unification with any party that shares our agenda. We are ready to make any sacrifice for an autonomous Madhes province,” the leader further said.
Analysts say Madhesi parties are seeking mergers and alliances as they deeply realize that their strength in Madhes has weakened considerably after the last CA election. “But I have come to learn that JP Gupta-led group would join the Sharat Singh Bhandari-led National Madhes Socialist Party. Personally, I see a very slim chance of JP Gupta joining TMDP,” said Sujit Thakur, a research fellow at South Asian University and Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies (IPCS), New Delhi.
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