KATHMANDU: After Madhesi Janaadhikar Forum-Democratic Chairman Bijay Kumar Gachhadar signed the 16-point agreement with major three parties – Nepali Congress, CPN-UML and UCPN-Maoist – on resolving the crucial issues including federalism and writing the new constitution, the United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF) expelled the MJF-D from the alliance of Madhesi parties.

A meeting of the UDMF, popularly called  Madhesi Morcha, held on Wednesday, decided to sever all ties with the Gachhadar-led party, which was its largest constituent. It has 15 members in the Constituent Assembly.

Claiming that the agreement signed on Monday was "a regressive move against sentiments and goals of the Interim Constitution" and was not on a par with other agreements made in the past, the UDMF said, "This will push the nation toward more internal conflicts and instability."

It further argued that the deal has put issues and voices of Madhesis, indigenous groups, Dalits, Muslims, women and backward communities at stake.

"Morcha is committed to continue its struggle for the state restructuring with identity, inclusion and high-powered independent Pradeshes," said the alliance.

The alliance of the Madesh-centric political forces had eight parties including the MJF-D. Other constituents of the alliance are Madhesi Janaadhikar Forum-Nepal, Tarai Madhes Democratic Party, Sadbhawana Party, Nepal Sadbhawana Party, Madhesi Janaadhikar Forum-Republican, National Madhes Socialist Party and Tarai Madhes Sadbhawana Party-Nepal.

In the June 8 deal, the major parties have agreed to form eight Pradheses, and let a federal commission fix their boundaries. Moreover, as per the agreement, the  respective state assemblies would determine the name of states through voting.

READ ALSO:

• Four forces ink 16-point pact to deliver constitution

• UNSG Ban hails 16-point deal as a major milestone in Nepal’s democratic development