The constituent parties of the United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF) as well as other Madhesi parties have failed to kick-start the campaign as each of these parties are working for either merger or forging alliance largely due to poor organizational strength. The parties are afraid to go to the people as most of them have largely lost their credibility for their failure to do anything specific for Madhesi people even as they remained in power most of the time in the post-April 2008 era, analysts say.[break]
Political analyst C K Lal said Madheshi parties appear to be deferring the election campaign as they are currently busy dealing with their internal problems. “They are unable to manage their party organizations, cadres and resources for CA poll,” said Lal arguing that these parties are doing homework for forging alliances.
Lal argued that Madhesi parties are unlikely to gear up election campaign until they work out an election alliance or there are unifications among parties. “I see the possibility of two different alliances, one led by Upendra Yadav and other by Mahantha Thakur,” he said.
Though Madhesi parties are yet to begin their election campaign, analysts believe that all Madheshi parties including those taking to the streets now would eventually decide to participate in the CA election slated for November 19. “Madheshi parties are using social media as a tool to stir up popular sentiments. They are working for forging alliances and effecting unifications,” said another political analyst Chandra Kishore while denying suggestions that Madhesi parties are yet to start election preparations.
Kishore claimed that Upendra Yadav-led Federal Democratic Alliance (FDA) will take part in the election even as it has taken to the streets to press its certain demands. “Madheshi parties have sent their cadres to magnetize people toward their parties. But it is true that they have yet to start election campaign in full swing,” he added.
However, leaders of the Madhes-based parties do not agree that they have not started election campaign. “Our election campaign is little different from that of others. We are doing social work, expanding party"s organizational base and welcoming leaders from other parties to our parties,” said central member of Nepal Sadbhawana Party Rajeev Jha.
Jha said he had taken initiatives to build five community hospitals in his constituency of Dhanusha. “Since I am involved in various social service works, I am sure to win the elections,” he said.
TMDP Vice-chairman Brishesh Chandra Lal said his party is actively preparing for CA poll. “We are providing training to our cadres at local levels, and organizing party functions at district level to make the people aware about our agenda,” Lal said.
Analysts say Tarai-Madhes has yet to catch the election fever as some of the Madhes-based parties want their demands met by the government before they could start the campaign.
“We are not for boycotting the CA poll. But our demands must be addressed before the elections,” said Madheshi People"s Right Forum-Nepal Secretary Ratneshwar Lal Kayastha.
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