Madhesi Morcha in ‘wait and watch’ mode

Published On: July 15, 2016 04:56 PM NPT By: Republica | @RepublicaNepal

KATHMANDU, July 15: The Madhesi Morcha is in a 'wait and watch' mode before coming up with an official decision whether to participate in the new government to be formed by the Nepali Congress and the CPN (Maoist Center). Few Madhesi parties, which have hinted to join the Nepali Congress (NC)-CPN (Maoists center) alliance government, haven’t come up with an official decision yet.

According to sources, half of the parties associated with the Morcha have been lobbying for joining the new government. But silence from the Federal Socialist Forum Nepal (FSFN) and leaders including Mahantha Thakur has created hurdles in making a decision to join the new government.

As there are still few days to go before the new government is formed, the Madhesi Morcha is now in a ‘wait and watch’ mode. But all the seven parties of the Morcha and most of the parties of the Federal Alliance have already decided to stand against the Oli government. They have supported the no-confidence motion filed by NC-Maoist Center against Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli in the Legislator-Parliament.

Nepal Sadbhavana Party President Anil Kumar Jha has said that the exit of Oli government is a must before taking decision about joining the new government. "We will decide on whether to join the new government once the prime minister steps down,” said Jha.

Meanwhile, The NC and CPN (Moist Center) have intensified talks with the leaders of Madhesi Parties. According to an NC leader, Madhesi Parties should take part in the NC-CPN (Maoist Center) alliance to form the new government to amend the constitution and get their demands fulfilled. " Madhesi parties should take part in the new government to amend and implement the new constitution, " he said.

A Maoist Center leader who was involved in forming the NC-Maoist Center alliance believes that there is possibility of the Madhesi parties taking part in the new government. "The NC-Maoist Center alliance's priority is to solve the existing Madhesi issues," the leader said, “As the alliance's priority is to resolve the Madhesi issues, there is very less chance of the Madhesi parties refraining from joining the new government.”

Madhesi Morcha leader Laxman Lal Karna says that the NC-Maoist Center alliance should announce the proposal of amendment of the constitution and relief programs for the injured and martyrs of the Madhes movement. Some political analysts are of the opinion that Madhesi parties are in a mood to join the new government but are keeping silence to bargain with the alliance over the issues and lucrative ministries. "The statement of Madhesi parties to stand against the Oli government but not joining the NC-Maoist Center alliance does not make any sense,” argued the analyst.

Another leader of Morcha Lal Babu Raut says that if the Morcha's issues come in terms with NC-Maoist Center alliance, the Morcha could help the new government even by staying out of the government. "We will take decision once the NC-Maoist Center alliance puts clear views on the 11-point demand forwarded by the Morcha," said Raut.

“Currently, our demand is to amend the constitution rather than joining the new government.” Dipendra Jha, an expert on Madhes issues, believes that Madhesi people want Madhesi parties to resolve the existing issues rather than joining the new government. "In the current situation, I don’t think anyone will go against the people's wish," said Jha.