Madheshi parties divided on ‘One Madhesh One Pradesh’ agenda

KATHMANDU: Major madhesh based parties have been divided over their long held issue of “one madhesh one pradesh” with the exception of one party.

Rajendra Mahato led SP has said that it favors autonomous Madhesh Pradesh but says it supports two pradesh in the Madhesh region – one east of Narayani River and another west of it– as recommended by the erstwhile State Restructuring Committee.

MJF-N and TMDP have not mentioned their stance on the issue in the CA election manifesto. However, in public speeches leaders from both of these parties have stuck of creating one Madhesh Pradesh.

However, MJF-N has mentioned that its in favor of creating not only a autonomous Madhes pradesh but also Limbuwan, Kirant, Tamsaling, Newa, Tamuwan, Magarat and Karnali pradesh.

TMDP also has claimed that creating an autonomous madesh pradesh will be imperative in establishing self rule of local communities- Tharus and Madheshis.

Both parties – MJF-N and TMDP- have given ample space in their manifesto in elaborating the benefits of structuring madesh pradesh and in accusing Nepali Congress and CPN UML of trying to foil the efforts of the people to have autonomous regions.