'NC-Maoists yet to approach UDMF for support to government'

KATHMANDU: Sadbhawana Party Chairman Rajendra Mahato said Nepali Congress and CPN Maoist Centre – which are in a bid to form a new coalition government – have not yet sought support from the protesting United Democratic Madhesi Front for the government formation.

Sadbhawana Party is one of the key constituents of the UDMF, which has been protesting the promulgation of Constitution, claiming it was not inclusive, since before its promulgation in September last year.

Speaking with journalists in Kathmandu today, Mahato said the UDMF would extend support to the government only if the new coalition leaders expressed a commitment to address concerns of the protesting bloc.

Upon receiving their commitment, the UDMF constituents may even join the government, he hinted.

He, however, maintained that the UDMF was yet to take any formal decision about whether to join the government.

"They (NC and CPN MC) should present their views on our 11-point demand clearly," he said, "Then only we can decide whether to take part in the government."

Mahato was hopeful that the NC and the CPN MC would address demands of the protesters as they had expressed a commitment for the same in a seven-point agreement they forged while forming the coalition.

"We are eager to see how they will implement it," he added.

He also informed that the UDMF constituents may also support the government without joining it.

"Our main concern is our issue," he said urging all Madhes-centric parties not to hurry to join the government.