KATHMNADU, APRIL 3
Seven parties, particularly focused on Tarai-Madhes, have announced a Federal Democratic Front with 26 objectives, including constitutional amendment as its bottom line.
The newly formed front consists of the Janata Samajwadi Party-Nepal, led by Upendra Yadav; the Loktantrik Samajwadi Party-Nepal, led by Mahantha Thakur; the Rastriya Mukti Party Nepal, led by Rajendra Mahato; the Janamat Party, led by C.K. Raut; the Nagarik Unmukti Party, led by Resham Chaudhary; the Tarai Madhes Loktantrik Party, led by Bhrishesh Chandra Lal; and the Janata Pragatisheel Party, led by Hridayesh Tripathi.
The front's objectives and political commitments are to defend and strengthen the federal democratic republic, to nominate and structure provinces based on strength and identity, and to clarify the jurisdiction between the federal and provincial governments so that federalism can be implemented effectively.
The statement distributed during the announcement ceremony also mentions commitments to distribute revenue and resources in a balanced and equitable manner, as well as to enrich the federal democratic republican system by allowing the provinces to deliver state-provided services and facilities to the people, while keeping the local level under provincial jurisdiction.
The front intends to immediately implement the previous 22-point, 8-point, and 11-point agreements between the government and protesting forces, as well as agreements between other political parties/organisations and the government.
The Front has demanded that the Lal Commission report be made public immediately, as well as the release of prisoners arrested and charged by the state in connection with various protests, including the People's Movement, Madhes People's Uprising and Movement, Tharuhat, Limbuwan, and others.
Mahato, President of the Rastriya Mukti Party Nepal, stated at today's announcement programme that the country's current situation has compelled them to form the Federal Democratic Front. He emphasised that the front was formed to combat the political dominance of the country's two major parties.
Currently, two largest parties-the Nepali Congress and CPN-UML-in parliament have come together to form the government. They have agreed to lead the government in turn.
Mahato stated, "There have been many movements in the country, but all of them have remained incomplete. We are working on forming a front to accomplish this. Nepal belongs to every Nepali. This pluralistic country should become a common country for all."
He added, "The current rulers are responsible for the revival of the dead regime. These rulers refused to grant rights to their own people". The current major parties have been unable to govern the state."
Similarly, Janamat Party Chair CK Raut stated that the rule of Prime Minister and CPN-UML President KP Sharma Oli, CPN-MC Chair Pushpa Kamal Dahal, and Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba is no different from any dictatorial monarchy.
"We claim that the federal democratic republic has been established. However, the oppressed class does not see it this way. We have seen the same Oli, Dahal, and Deubaji for 17 years," Raut stated. "In the 17 years of rule and repetition, we could have had three or four kings. We could have seen Gyanendra, Paras, or Hridayendra. This, to us, is no different from any monarchy's dictatorship. The same kings keep returning and repeating."
Meanwhile, Janata Samajwadi Party-Nepal Chair Yadav accused the government of failing to address the people's problems by a two-thirds majority. He cited Bangladesh, where the people chased the government, and Sri Lanka, where the people also ousted the majority government. "Thus, a two-thirds majority is not always adequate to be strong but to work for the people," he said.
The Front has established a 15-point code of conduct for its affiliated parties. According to the code of conduct, no one should publicly criticise one another.
"Parties affiliated with the front must express their views publicly without criticising or inciting one another. However, there shall be no impediment to making their views public on ideological and theoretical issues."
It also states that meeting participants should express their opinions on behalf of their respective parties in a dignified and harmonious manner.
