The two regional parties Federal Socialist Forum Nepal (FSFN) and Rastriya Janata Party Nepal (RJPN) have paved way to formal dialogue for unification, which was in limbo since the eve of federal and parliamentary elections. The RJPN, which has already withdrawn its support to the government, requested FSFN to quit government so that it could clear the way for merger process to go smoothly. However, FSFN Chair, also deputy prime minister and health minister, Upendra Yadav turned down the request made by RJPN presidium member Mahendra Raya Yadav—stating that severing ties with ruling Nepal Communist Party (NCP) is possible after the merger is complete. The two parties are now weighing options for sorting out the differences to complete the unification process. Reporters’ Club Nepal President Rishi Dhamala talked with RJPN presidium member Raj Kishor Yadav focusing on the merger possibilities between the two parties. Excerpts:

Has the unification with FSFN moved ahead?

The RJPN was formed following the unification of six of the seven constituencies of United Democratic Madhesi Front. Therefore, we are always open to the merger. We have no problem uniting with parties having similar political agendas so that we could become a stronger power. We have already responded to the letter sent by the FSFN. Both the parties are hopeful and positive about the unification. An environment of trust is being built on both sides.

Why did the RJPN put forth the condition that FSFN should quit the government before the merger?

This is not a condition. FSFN, in the letter it sent us, has referred NCP and Nepali Congress as the force who favor the status quo. We, on the basis of the phrase the party used in the letter, argued why it was necessary for the party to stay in the government led by NCP, provided both FSFN and RJPN advocate for change. Our logic is that we should clear path for the merger process to move ahead smoothly. Unification with FSFN is our honest request.

FSFN has said that it will think about quitting the government after the merger. What can we expect?

We are discussing this. We are eager to iron out the differences surfaced in the process.

Was the merger process hurried because of the pressure, surfaced after CK Raut’s entry into the mainstream national politics?

No. RJPN has remained open to unification with parties who are on the same page in terms of agenda, since its establishment. We do politics centering on agendas. The result of the election is clear, isn’t it?

There are stories that RJPN is losing its power in Madhes. Is it true?

No, it isn’t true. These gossips are baseless. The RJPN has great support from people of Terai-Madhes.

KATHMANDU, June 10: The Federal Socialist Forum Nepal (FSFN) and Rastriya Janata Party Nepal (RJPN) have been granted the status of a national party in the National Assembly (NA), the upper house in the bicameral Federal Parliament of Nepal.

According to Ashok Poudel, press advisor to the NA Chair, it has been agreed to recognize both parties as the national party in the NA new regulations. The parties have two members each in the upper house. Today’s session of the NA has begun and it is scheduled to pass the NA regulations.

KATHMANDU, Nov 1: Ram Naresh Raya, leader of Rastriya Janata Party Nepal (RJPN) has said that even if the party has reached an agreement on their shares of constituencies with its election partner Federal Socialist Forum Nepal, agreement with the ruling party Nepali Congress yet to shape a conclusion.

Talking to Rishi Dhamala in a program ‘Nepali Bahas’ at Nepali Radio Network on Wednesday, Leader Raya said that the party is discussing with the ruling party about finalizing the constituencies for the upcoming elections to the House of Representatives and Province Assemblies. The elections are scheduled for November 26 and December 7.

RJPN and FSFN finalized a partnership model for the province 2 on Tuesday. But the regional parties are not willing to leave any seats for NC in the province. They have said that they can forge alliance with the NC in highway areas and in other provinces.

“We have reached agreement in some constituencies. We are making a final effort to decide the constituencies. We are trying to reach a agreement by today evening,” said Raya.

He also claimed that RJPN will win in 17 constituencies under proportional representation (PR) category and in 5 constituencies under the first-past-the-post category.

On the occasion, Leader Raya also requested Rishi Dhamala to contest the elections (FPTP) from Madhes quota.

“Rishi Dhamala is the only journalist who speaks for Madhes and its people,” he told Dhamala.

After Dhamala told Raya that he had not decided about running the election, Raya responded saying, “Mahantha Thakur, Upendra Yadav and Madhesi people wants you to contest the polls from Madhes. Everybody is waiting to welcome a personality like Dhamala in Madhes. You have to decide soon.”

KATHMANDU, Oct 31: Federal Socialist Forum Nepal (FSFN) and Rastriya Janata Party Nepal (RJPN) have finalized their shares of seats in Province 2 for the upcoming Federal and Provincial elections.

A meeting of the top leaders of the two parties held on Tuesday reached the agreement, according to which, of the 32 parliamentary constituencies, FSFN will contest in 17 whereas RJPN in 15.

Likewise, Among 64 provincial constituencies, the Forum will get 33 and RJPN 31.

The two regional parties have partnered up to contest the upcoming twin elections scheduled for November 26 and December 7.