RJPN fixed on their stance; will not take part in polls unless its demands are met

KATHMANDU, June 2: Rastriya Janata Party Nepal (RJPN) senior leader Laxman Lal Karna has said that his party will not take part in the second phase election if their concerns are not addressed. He however, clarified that his party wants election in the country.

RJPN has been demanding that the government drop the criminal cases against those involved in Tharuhat-Madhes movement. They have also demanded addition of local levels in Terai region.

Speaking during an interaction program organized by the Reporters’ Club Nepal on Friday, Karna said, “We supported Prachanda led government in condition that our three point demands would be addressed. But Prachanda didn’t.”

“Now, Deuba is set to become new Prime Minister; but still we are not supporting Deuba led government unless it is made sure that our demands are met,” he added.

He also urged the government to create environment for Madhes based parties to participate in the election. He said, “We haven’t said that we won’t take part in the election. At least our demands have to be addressed first. The government cannot discriminate Madhesh and its people. The deceased of the Tharuhat movement must be declared martyrs, criminal charges must be dropped and the number of local levels should be increased.”

He also accused the government not to have cautioned the Supreme Court to rethink over its decision.

The government on May 22 had decided to increase 22 more local units in 12 districts along the plain. But the apex court two days later, had ordered the government not to implement the cabinet’s decision to add the number of local units.

Thakur also added that they are preparing to start agitation from June 5 in order to mount additional pressure to the government to fulfill its demands.

RJPN, two days ago, called off its agitation programs after the government postponed the date of second phase local level election to June 28. The government initially had planned to conduct second phase polls on June 14, but in a bid to bring Madhes based parties abroad the election the government, after second revision, had formally announced the date of the local election round 2.