The meeting comes at a time when the Constituent Assembly (CA) has already started rigorous discussions on draft constitution amid opposition from Madhes-based parties.
According to Tarai Madhes Democratic Party Vice-Chairman Hridayesh Tripathi, the leaders met the envoy to clear the air regarding "rumors" that Madhes-based parties are obstructing the constitution making process.
"Nepali Congress, CPN-UML and UCPN (Maoist) have been misinforming the international community and portraying us as the political force obstructing the constitution making process. We are trying to clarify the international community about our stances. The meeting with the Indian Ambassador was one held with the same purpose," said Tripathi."We'll also meet other members of the international communities," he added.
Tripathi said that despite having handsome majority within the CA, the major political parties are trying to hijack the rights of the CA and the Madhes-based parties are against it. "The major political parties are not only trying to draft a regressive constitution but also defaming Madhes-based parties. We are trying to clarify where we stand," said Tripathi.
Four leaders of TMDP, including Chairman Mahantha Thakur and Vice-Chairman Tripathi, Rajendra Mahato and Laxman Lal Karna of Sadbhavana Party, Ratneshwar Lal Kayastha of Federal Socialist Forum Nepal and Anil Jha of Federal Sadbhavana Party attended the meeting. Likewise, Nepali Congress lawmaker Amresh Singh as well as Madhes-based leaders JP Gupta, Matrika Yadav and Gopal Thakur was also in the meeting.
Before meeting the Indian envoy, the leaders held a meeting at the office of TMDP in the afternoon and discussed the possibilities of launching unified protest against the draft of the constitution.
"As the major political parties betrayed Madhes in the constitution making process by including regressive provisions on the issues of citizenship, inclusion and federalism, we discussed launching a Madhes-centric protest," said Manis Suman, general secretary of Sadbhavana Party.
Related story
Civic leaders for addressing Madhes issues before elections
_20191222200001.jpg)
