KATHMANDU: The United Democratic Madhesi Front, which has been spearheading the movement in Madhes against, what it says, discriminatory provisions of the new constitution, told Sadbhawana Party Chair Rajendra Mahato not to make statements detrimental to agitation.

The UDMF stated in its release that the statement delivered by Mahato about the agitation was detrimental to the movement and warned him not to repeat such mistakes.

Mahato drew ire of the UDMF constituents a few days ago when he said in Biratnagar that the UDMF should blockade all the border entry points and if it cannot do that, then it should not blockade any border entry point at all.

A day after Mahato’s statement, locals demolished tents erected by UDMF on Maitri bridge, ending months long blockade imposed by the front. Other constituents of the UDMF held Mahato responsible for lifting of blockade on Birgunj-Raxaul border entry point.

Central Committee member of Sadbhawana Party Upendra Mahato said Rajendra Mahato did not sign the UDMF’s press release because he objected to the front’s warning to Mahato.

“How can the UDMF warn a leader like Mahato who worked day and night on the ground to command the movement?” Upendra asked.

Uepndra said if other UDMF leaders believed that SP Chair Mahato’s statement ended blockade at Birgunj-Raxaul border entry point and if lifting of blockade sabotaged the ongoing movement, then Mahato was ready to blockade the border again, provided all chiefs of the constituents of UDMF should also go to Madhes to blockade border entry points.

Despite repeated attempts, chiefs and senior leaders of UDMF constituents could not be contacted for comments.

Upendra, however, said the SP would continue to be a part of the UDMF.