Kathmandu, October 16

Bijay Kumar Gachhadar today returned to his mother party when his party Nepal Democratic Forum merged with the Nepali Congress today.

Gachhadar, who had left the NC 10 years ago, made an emotional speech about his homecoming at Baluwatar with tears rolling down his cheeks. “This is an emotional moment for me and I hope this moment will touch your heart too,” Gachhadar said, his voice choking.

Gachhadar fought back tears while remembering his meeting with former prime minister and NC president Girija Prasad Koirala in Baluwatar 10 years ago when he told Koirala that he was leaving the NC.

Gachhadar said formation of the left alliance had prompted his decision to unify his party with the NC. “NDF’s merger with the NC has injected a sense of strength in the Tarai-Madhes. The left alliance cannot garner two-thirds majority as claimed by alliance partners,” Gachhadar said at a unification declaration programme in Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba’s official residence in Baluwatar.

He urged party cadres to intensify their poll campaign for provincial and parliamentary polls scheduled for November 26 and December 7.

He said he had left the NC to champion the cause of Madhesis, Tharus and oppressed groups, who had expressed desire for change through protests and movements.

Gachhadar said he played a crucial role even when he led the Madhesi Janadhikar Forum-Democratic by signing the 16-point agreement, which paved the way for drafting the new constitution.

“We have realised our long cherished dream of writing our constitution through our representatives. Although my party won only a few seats, I am happy that the constitution, for which I played a historic

role, is being implemented,” Gachhadar added. He said the new constitution was the result of sacrifice made by countless people.

Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba welcomed and thanked Gachhadar for deciding to merge his party with the NC.

NC leader Ramchandra Paudel said the left alliance posed a challenge to democracy and the democratic forces were ready to tackle the challenges posed by them.

NC and NDF stated in their merger agreement that seeking amendment to the constitution to address issues raised by Madhesi, Tharu and other oppressed groups would be their common responsibility.

The NDF has agreed to merge its provincial, district, municipal and rural chapters with similar structures of the NC.