UDMF, FDA likely to forge working alliance

President Ram Baran Yadav expresses concern about prolonged strike in the Tarai

Kathmandu, September 25

The United Democratic Madhesi Front and Bijaya Kumar Gachhadar-led Federal Democratic Alliance are scheduled to discuss a working alliance tomorrow.

FDA today formed a three-member talks team to make recommendation on unity or a working alliance with other forces that are fighting for the protection of identity and rights of the people of Tarai/Madhes.

Ram Janam Chaudhari, General Secretary of Madhesi Janaadhikar Forum-Democratic, a constituent of FDA said possibility of forging a working alliance with the UDMF was high. “As soon as we are able to forge a working alliance with the UDMF, it would help culminate our movement in the Tarai and that would mount pressure on the government and the three major parties,” he added. Gachhadar’s party was expelled by the UDMF after he signed the 16-point deal.

Rajkishor Yadav, Chair, Madhesi Janaadhikar Forum-Republican, a constituent of the FDA, said the talks team would make recommendation about the possibility of unity or working alliance or cooperation with the protesting forces in Madhes to make the ongoing agitation a success.

“The ruling alliance appears to be determined to suppress our agitation so we also need to put a unity or a working alliance to make our agitation a success,” Yadav said and added that if the Madhesi and Tharu forces remain divided, the ruling parties could play a game to divide them further and weaken the agendas of Madhes.

The three-member talks team includes spokesperson for National Madhes Socialist Party Keshav Jha, General Secretary of MJF-R CP Singh and General Secretary of MJF-D Ram Janam Chaudhari.

Rajendra Mahato, Chair of Sadbhawana Party, a constituent of UDMF, said the front had also formed a four-member talks team to form a working alliance with other forces that are protesting against the new constitution. “We might differ on some constitutional issues. We will discuss those issues and would try to have a common stance on them,” Mahato said.

Mahato said the UDMF negotiators would hold dialogue with the FDA’s talks team tomorrow to explore the possibility of working alliance.

Meanwhile, President Ram Baran Yadav today told Gachhadar to play an active role in bringing the government/three major parties and the protesting forces to the negotiating table.

According to President’s Press Adviser Rajendra Dahal, the Head of State expressed his concern about the prolonged general strike in the Tarai. The President told Gachhadar since he had long experience both in the government and in democratic movement, he could use his experience to bring the protesting forces to the negotiating table.

“This is a political problem and only talks can resolve the current problem,” Dahal quoted the President as telling Gachhadar. He also told Gachhadar that the protesting forces also needed to make serious efforts to seek negotiated settlement on the constitutional issues.