Mahato insists Madhesi demands be met first or there will be no election

KATHMANDU, Jan 31: Sadbhawana Party Chair and one of the highest-ranked member of the Joint Democratic Madhesi Front Rajendra Mahato insisted Madhesi demands be properly addressed correcting the bill before amending or Madhes will not participate in election.

He said, “Unless the constitution is corrected first, before amending, election cannot take place. Madhesi will not participate in election.”

“Top three parties had made public commitment that the parliament would properly address and institutionalize all the agendas raised form the streets during the revolution. But now they have misused their power and people’s vote to change people’s agendas.” he added during a face to face interaction program organized by the Reporters’ Club Nepal presided by the Club’s President and senior journalist Rishi Dhamala.

He warned the political leaders of top three parties have no right to step back from the Interim constitution approved by the constituent assembly.

According to Interim Constitution -2007 article 138, there should be delineation of autonomous provinces, including two autonomous provinces in Terai/Madhes region from Mechi to Mahakali, based on historical background and identity.

He viewed that Madhesi people wanted election but he argued the leaders of three political parties correct their error first before heading for election.

“We are not against election. We are appealing the errors done by the top three parties corrected and grant us the privilege preserved by the Interim constitution.”

“Election is tool to implementation of constitution, which needs favorable environment; and unless Madhesi and Tharu demands are privileged in the constitution, we will not participate in election nor will we let election take place,” he furthered.

He also said that the Re-structuring Commission Report was not acceptable to Madhesis as it clearly discriminated Madhesh, and urged it should be revised at any cost.