KATHMANDU: The Madhesi parties on Sunday announced various protest programmes in a bid to foil electioneering and the local level elections scheduled for May 14. The protest programmes include protest rallies and general strikes in various regions. Organising a press meeting in Kathmandu today, the constituent parties of the United Democratic Madhesi Front and the Federal Alliance announced the protest programmes. The programmes include:

1. April 18: Torch rallies in district headquarters and major cities
2. April 20: Lathi and whistle rallies in major cities of districts
3. April 22: Mass meetings in Dhanusha, Udayapur, Parsa and Kavre
4. April 23: Mass meetings in Morang, Rupandehi and Palpa
5. April 24: Mass meetings in Banke, Jhapa and Kathmandu
6. April 25: Mass meetings in Kailali, Sunsari and Kaski
7. April 26: Lathi rallies at voting centres
8. April 27: Torch rallies in district headquarters and major cities
9. April 28: Madhes, Tharuhat and Limbuwan bandh
10. April 29: Nepal bandh
11. May 2: Lathi rallies at voting centres
12. May 9: Torch rallies in district
13. May 10 onwards: Indefinite general strike across the nation
14. Other protest programmes to be decided at the district level