Kathmandu, January 17:

Election to the constituent assembly is the only solution to all political problems facing the Madhesis, Janajatis, Dalits and women, said leaders of major political parties.

Addressing a function at the Reporters’ Club, CPN-UML central committee member Pradip Gyawali warned that all achievements made so far would be meaningless if the parties failed to hold the constituent assembly election even on April 10.

“Only the privileged groups are against the assembly polls. All the Madhesis, Janajatis and women want to see the assembly polls taking place,” he said.

He claimed that the government had addressed some of the major concerns of the Madhesi community — issues of citizenship, increment of constituencies according to population

growth and commitment to restructuring the State on federal basis.

Gyawali demanded clear stance of Madhesi leaders on four issues: criminalisation of politics in the Tarai-Madhes, secessionist activities, Madhes movement being used as a tool between Hill versus Tarai and demand of a single autonomy for Tarai-Madhes.

Leader of the Tarai-Madhes Democratic Party Hridayesh Tripathi said the seven-party alliance was not confident about holding the election on April 10. “Had they been so confident, they would not have filled the seats lying vacant after our resignations from the parliament,” Tripathi said.

He also accused the alliance of being afraid of restructuring the state on federal ground. “A peaceful agitation is essential to ensure meaningful election,” he said.

Deputy Speaker Chitra Lekha Yadav stressed the need to hold talks with agitating groups in Madhes.

Post Bahadur Bogati of the CPN-Maoist said issues of self-identity and autonomy raised by the Madhesis must be addressed. He said all the parties must work together to create a conducive environment for holding the polls on time.

Kishor Biswas, vice president of Bhagya Nath Gupta-led Madhesi Janaadhikar Forum, said it would be impossible to hold the election in Tarai unless the country was declared a republic and the autonomy to the Tarai with

the right to self-determination was guaranteed. Election cannot be held on April 10 in present circumstances, Biswas said.