The UCPN (Maoist)-led Federal Democratic Alliance (FDRA) of 21 political parties was formally announced on Wednesday. UCPN (M) chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal heads the alliance.

The FDRA consists of all the allies in the ruling coalition including the Madhesi Front and some fringe political parties. Prem Bahadur Singh, a former minister and the chairman of Loktantrik Samajbadi Dal, has been appointed its spokesperson.

Speaking at the press conference organised to announce the formation of the alliance, Dahal said that the alliance was formed in order to press the agenda of federalism and that it was not targeted against any particular party or parties. He said it was going to be a long-term strategic alliance.

Claiming that other parties including the CPN-Maoist would also join the FDRA eventually, the Maoist chairman reiterated that the government was not going to resign until there was consensus between the parties.

Dahal also said fresh election to the Constituent Assembly was the first option but the alliance would also be ready for reinstatement of the dissolved CA for a brief period provided the parties arrived at an understanding on promulgation of the constitution. nepalnews.com