Parties head towards confrontation over Madhesi issue

The likelihood of confrontational politics has increased after the Madhesi parties flatly rejected the decision of the government – backed by its alliance partners – to introduce supplementary bill to address their demands.

Although the confrontation was averted on Saturday after the Constituent Assembly (CA) did not sit, the same could happen on Monday as both sides appear set on their positions.

The government’s move was further strengthened after a key alliance partner Unified Marxist Leninist (UML) approved its position despite Madhesi protests. The UML leaders have said that all differences should now be settled through the floor of CA.

On the other hand, the Madhesi parties have started talking about launching another struggle.

“We are ready to counter any move by the government. We will not be bound to abide by any decision taken without taking Madhesis on board,” said Mahantha Thakur, chief of Terai Madhes Loktantrik Party (TMLP).

As such, if the two sides do not reach to some understanding, the CA could become a playground for confrontational politics, according to analysts. nepalnews.com sd Jul 06 08

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