During a luncheon party hosted for leaders of Madhes-based political parties on Wednesday, Foreign Secretary Rao shared worry that the Maoists´ scheduled campaign in line with decision made by the party´s sixth plenum held in Palungtar could strain the cordial relationship between New Delhi and Madhesi people, according to Vice chairman of Tarai Madhes Democratic Party Hridayesh Tripathi.
“The Maoists have announced to hold special campaign to strengthen their organizational base across Madhes. We have a worry that this could give rise to anti-Indian sentiment among people,” Tripathi quoted Rao as saying.
Rao enquired Madhesi leaders why were the Maoists involved in ´anti-India´ campaign. “The Maoists seem to be blaming India for the current political deadlock. But we are not the actors behind the deadlock.” another Madhesi leader present in the meeting quoted Rao as saying.
Rao had enquired what kind of government Madhes-based parties wanted to see in the current political context. “All the parties univocally said that they are in favor of non-Maoist-led government,” said a leader, asking to be unnamed.
Madhesi parties had stressed on the need to promulgate the new constitution on time as this would institutionalize the agenda raised by Madhes.
During the meeting, Rao also sought opinion of Madhes-based parties to resolve the problems seen in the implementation of various India-aided road and irrigation projects in Madhes. She said India failed to expedite road construction and railway survey projects worth IRs 15 billion and irrigation and agriculture projects worth IRs four billion in Madhes due to obstruction by the Maoists and poor law and order situation in Madhes.
Rao also held meetings with Deputy Prime Ministers Bijaya Kumar Gachchhadar and Sujata Koirala and Energy Minister Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat before wrapping up her visit on Thursday.
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