MPRF-N set to forge seat adjustments with SP

KATHMANDU, Sept 7: In what appears to be a counter move against the electoral alliance between Tarai-Madhes Democratic Party and Bijaya Gachhadar´s MPRF-D, Upendra Yadav-led MPRF-N and Rajendra Mahato-led Sadbhavana Party (SP) have reached an agreement to make seat adjustments during the Constituent Assembly (CA) polls.



"The talks between the two party chiefs of SP and MPRF-N in Kathmandu on Saturday were positive and has paved the way for making seat adjustments between the two parties," Central Committee (CC) member of SP Upendra Mahato told Republica.[break]



"It is an attempt to revive the United Madheshi Front (UMF), which was formed after Madhes movement," said Mahato. He further said that they were considering reinstating UMF, as they felt "sidelined by MPRF-D and TMDP". MPRF-N and SP were the constituent parties of UMF.



After its formation on December 28, 2007, TMDP had formed United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF), comprising three parties, MPRF-N, TMDP and SP. Later, MPRF-N quit UDMF, citing differences over political document.



Mahato has termed the electoral adjustment between MPRF-D and TMDP as ´a deal done in a hurry´. "They [MPRF-D and TMDP] have forged adjustment deal by ignoring us," added Mahato. He further said that his party decided to go for seat adjustment with MPRF-N to counter move by MPRF-D and TMDP.



"They forged adjustment by ignoring the concerns of Madhesi people, who are in favor of a single alliance of Madhesi parties," insisted Mahato.



SP General Secretary Manish Suman said that they would forge electoral adjustment with any ´like-minded´ political parties. "We are open to adjustments with any party with similar agenda," added Suman. "However, we are trying to form a single alliance comprising all Madhesi forces."



Another SP leader, seeking anonymity, said that if there are two electoral alliances in Madhesh for CA elections, it should be taken as natural. "There could be two electoral alliances, one between SP and MPRF-N, and other could be between TMDP and MPRF-D. Both alliances are natural." He further added that both the TMDP and MPRF-D were formed by former Nepali Congress leaders so their closeness is not unnatural.



Asserting that the electoral alliance between SP and MPRF-N is also natural, he said, "Both parties have emerged from Madhes agenda. SP has been solely working for the cause of Madhes for the last 22 years, while MPRF-N emerged from Madhesh uprising."

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