KATHMANDU, May 22: The Rastriya Janata Party Nepal (RJPN) lawmakers have called on the government to release the report prepared by the investigation commission coordinated by Supreme Court former judge Girish Chandra Lal.

The government had formed the commission to investigate the incidents that took place in course of the Madhesh movement in 2015.

Speaking at the outset of the meeting of the House of Representatives today, asking for time from Speaker Krishna Bahadur Mahara, RJPN lawmaker Pramod Saha drew the government’s attention towards the non-implementation of the provision in the constitution which states that the distribution of citizenship cards to the citizens would not be stopped.

Nepali Congress’ Pushpa Bhusal demanded that the bill on proposed media council should be brought based on the principles and values of the constitution and international human rights instruments.

She said the bill in its current form was not acceptable to the main opposition party as it was against the democratic values.

Bhusal, who is also the whip of the NC parliamentary party, expressed fear that the proposed bill will restrict the press freedom and the freedom of expression.

Meanwhile, MPs speaking in the ‘zero hour’ of the meeting of the lower house of parliament today called the attention of government through the parliament on several contemporary issues.

The issues raised in this connection were making the Bhairahawa customs office further systematic, the need of giving priority to minimizing violence against women and children, carrying out impartial investigations into the death of a girl at the Sahid Gangalal Heart Center in course of treatment, finding out the culprits behind the murder of Nirmala Panta of Kanchanpur, arresting the burgeoning corruption, managing the property in the name of former King Birendra and his family, paying attention to road safety and construction of overhead bridges in busy crossroads in the capital, among others.

Those expressing their views in the zero hour were Bharat Kumar Shah, Mahendra Kumari Limbu, Mahesh Basnet, MeenaBishwakarma, Meena Subba and Yasoda Gurung. RSS

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 The RJPN, which has already withdrawn its support to the government, requested FSFN to quit government so that it could clear the way for merger process to go smoothly.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, July 14: The Rastriya Janata Party Nepal (RJPN) has nominated party presidium coordinator Mahantha Thakur as the parliamentary leader. He was nominated unanimously, as stated by party senior vice chair Laxmanlal Karna.

A meeting of the RJPN parliamentary party took place at the Singha Durbar took a decision to this end. Until the filing of this report, the meeting is going on and discussions on the contemporary issues, current political scenario and party’s upcoming role in the parliament are underway. RSS 

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.

MAHOTTARI, Nov 23: Rastriya Janata Party Nepal (RJPN) unveiled its election manifesto on Thursday in view of the upcoming federal parliament and province assembly elections scheduled for November 26 and December 7. Organizing a program in Jaleshwor, Mahottari the party made its manifesto public.

The party in its document has stressed on prosper Nepal, meaningful constitution, inclusive state, equality-based society and sovereign citizens.

The document reads: Every Nepali citizens’ identity will be protected and given high respect to fulfill the dreams of martyrs of Tharuhat-Madhes and other movements associated with people’s identity and rights.

Likewise, the document has also underlined the correction of province boundaries and a fulfilling constitution that would bring together every citizens in nation building and paving the way for peaceful, prosperous and successful Nepal by ending the current political transition and instability.

RJPN, as most of it constituencies fall in Terai region, has chiefly focused on the development and welfare of the Terai region in its manifesto.

Development of Madhesh cities including Biratnagar, Bhairahawa, Nepalgunj, Rajbiraj, Siraha, Jaleshwor, Malangawa, Gaur, Kalaiya, Nawalparasi, Taulihawa, Tulsipur, Gulariya, and Mahendranagar will be of main priority and each city will have its own integrated urban development program, the document reads.

The manifesto further reads: the party will prioritize the ongoing construction of postal highway, construction of a modern railway route in parallel with the east-west highway and other road networks.

Likewise, development of Janakpur as the international tourism hub and spiritual center is also included it the document. Janakpur Airport will be developed as an airport of international standard, the manifesto further reads. Also, the party has assured to immediately complete the slow-moving under-construction Gautam Buddha International Airport.

Also, the party has committed to develop Birgunj as banking, insurance, share market and international trade hub.

Uninterrupted electricity supply, construction and upgrading of industrial corridors, development of labor forces, technical training, end of political interference for the development in trade and commerce sector and formulation of scientific plans to build dams to permanently solve the flood problems in Terai are highlighted in the document.

The party has also assured the construction of modern cricket stadiums in Biratnagar, Janakpur, Birgunj, Bhairahawa, Nepalgunj and Dhangadhi—of them at least two will have facilities to host international tournaments.

The manifesto has also focused on modernization of agriculture, simplified agricultural loan, production growth and market management and extension for the improved life of farmer.

The party has also promised to work to protect history, language, art and culture of various communities living in the Terai-Madhesh region.

“They once used bullets to suppress our movement. Now, we will use ballots to turn time in our favor.”

JANAKPUR, Nov 8: Rajendra Mahato, leader of Rastriya Janata Party Nepal has claimed that people of Dhanusha constituency-3 will rather vote him instead of Nepali Congress leader Bimalendra Nidhi in the upcoming House of Representatives elections. Mahato and Nidhi are contesting for a parliamentary seat in the constituency. Elections to the federal parliament and province assemblies in Dhanusha district are being conducted in second phase on December 7.

People’s vote should come in favor of Madhes movement. No voters should cast their votes to the leaders who have suppressed Madhes movement, murdered Madhesi people and confiscated of their rights,” said Mahato while speaking at an interaction program organized by the Reporters’ Club Nepal in Janakpur, Dhanusha.

“The voters will not cast their votes to Nidhi in order to teach him some good lessons,” he claimed.

“The ruling party used bullets deprive Madhesi people of their rights. But, now time is in our favor. We have ballots, a weapon more powerful than bullets,” he said.

“Time has come to respond them,” he added.

“Six innocent Madhesi brothers lost their lives in Maleth of Saptri district. Now people reply to this incident as well through ballot boxes,” he furthered.

He further stated: “The constitution of Nepal was promulgated going against the sentiment of Madhesi people. We can never accept such constitution. NC’s Madhes-based top leader himself signed the constitution and forced Madhesi people for this too. He is from Janakpur.”

When club’s President Rishi Dhamala told Mahato that leader Nidhi has claimed himself as the Messiah (savior) of Madhes in a recent poll campaign, Mahato replied: “A leader who ordered firing at Madhesi people cannot be a Messiah. His claims are laughable. He has no moral ground to seek votes in Madhes.”

“Not in Dhanusha-3, or in any part of Madhes.”

“People are not going to believe him no matter what he says,” he continued.

Responding to Nidhi’s claim that only he had contributed in development of Madhes, Mahato said, “Even though Nidhi has won election again and again from Madhes, he has done nothing for the development of this place.”

He added, “I can’t understand on what bases he has come to Madhes to woo voters.”

“People are not going to make the same mistake again. Not in this election,” he added.

“If we vote the leader who once murdered our people, how will we reply to the world?” he further added.

On the occasion, Mahato also requested people not to take his candidacy in Dhanusha-3 otherwise. Mahato’s home town is Sarlahi. He added, “I am running the election from Dhanusha as advised by the party leadership, and as demanded by the people.”

“Janakpur is the heart of Madhes. I have come to Dhanusha highly respecting the demand and request of people here and giving the district a top priority,” he added.

“Development of Janakpur should be taken as high priority- which I will accomplish,” added Mahato.

When asked how many seat his party will win in the upcoming election, Mahato said, “Our movement will win the election. We will win in those constituencies where people will elect us. One thing is sure: we will emerge victorious in many constituencies.”

“Nepali Congress’ day here in Madhes in gone now. They didn’t develop our place. People know this. Now, Madhesi parties will rise here. We have ballot boxes. We will use this weapon (ballot boxes and votes) and turn time in our favor.”

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.

KATHMANDU, Oct 9: Mahendra Raya Yadav, member of the Rastriya Janata Party Nepal (RJPN) presidium committee, has made it clear that the RJPN will only make electoral alliance with the Nepali Congress (NC) for the upcoming House of Representatives and Federal Assemblies elections.

Speaking during an interaction program organized by the Reporters’ Club Nepal on Monday, leader Yadav said that RJPN would join hands with only which stands for voices of Madhesi, indigenous and Tharu community. He added, since all the six parties supporting the NC-led broader democratic alliance had different political opinions, unity among the parties was near impossible.

He ruled out the idea of joining coalition with NC.

“We will make electoral alliance with NC and other parties. Our party is focused on how to win election but we are not joining NC coalition. Unity is not possible.”

RJPN has already decided to make electoral alliance with Upendra Yadav-led Federal Socialist Forum Nepal.

KATHMANDU, Sept 7: The Rastriya Janata Party Nepal (RJPN) has decided to utilize election as part of the struggle for rights.

Making public its election manifesto for the upcoming local level election being held in Province No 2 on Sept 18, the party has decided to take the election both as opportunity and challenge.

During a press conference attended by senior leaders of the party including its coordinator Mahath Thakur in Kathmandu on Thursday, presidium member of the party, Rajendra Mahato said, “Our party is participating in the election as per people’s aspiration. This election itself is a struggle. We’ve accepted it as a challenge. Participating in the election is to honour people’s mandate.”

Leader Mahato argued the Madhes agitation was caused by the weakness of big three political parties. RJPN will accept the election results, he added.

Responding to a query relating to party’s expected result in the election, he said, “We expect all victory in our favour, but voters are the determinants. So, we accept it without any reservation.”

The party in its manifesto has mentioned that it would continue its struggle for the constitution amendment even after the election.

The manifesto has further claimed that Federal Socialist Forum Nepal, Nepal Loktantrik Forum party were individualistic and self-centered, which tarnished image of Madhes and shadowed Madhes issues.

At a time election fever has gripped Province No 2, the RJPN leaders are still in the capital city. Similarly, influential leaders of the party have been defecting to different parties following the internal dispute, which is likely to dent the election result.

The RJPN is the party merged out of various six splinters advocating for Madhes issues. The major battle as in the previous elections is with the big parties as Nepali Congress, CPN-UML and the CPN (Maoist Centre).

The party has put the development of Birgunj in its top priority, thereby making it a smart city.

It has incorporated various local problems as of irrigation, livestock, fertilizers, campaign against dowry system. RSS

CPN-UML, Maoist Center both against federal system

KATHMANDU, Sept 7: Rastriya Janata Party Nepal (RJPN) has unveiled its manifesto for the third round of local level elections scheduled for September 18 in Province 2.

Leaders of presidium committee of the party jointly unveiled the manifesto organizing a press meet at its party office in Babarmahal, Kathmandu on Thursday.

RJPN in manifesto commenting about the main opposition party CPN-UML has accused the latter of standing against the federalism and inclusiveness. RJPN further has further accused the UML of not wanting goodwill of Madesi people.

RJPN has also blamed the ruling party CPN (Maoist Center) of having anti-federalist character. RJPN has further expressed its dissatisfaction that the MC doesn’t believe in democratic system and has adopted the policy of taking charge of government on back of its power.

The manifesto further states, the party MC is the major reason for corruption, lack of security, and irregularities in the country. RJPN has also held MC responsible for the murder of leader Ramesh Mahato and other 52 Madhesi people.