Solution to Madhes unrest possible if parties give up stances, says Bhattarai

KATHMANDU: Former Prime Minister Baburam Bhattarai has argued that an immediate way out to the ongoing Madhes agitation was possible if the major political parties gave up their stances and interests.

Responding to journalists' queries about his 'new force' in New Baneshwor on Saturday, Bhattarai accused people in the power of demonstrating blind nationalism.

He said he was surprised by seeing that top leaders of ruling parties were spewing venom at the neighbouring country, being influenced by dogmatic nationalism.

A solution to the Madhes unrest was too close if the government became flexible towards the Madhes issues, he argued.

The country is long hit by the agitation of United Democratic Madhes Front, an alliance of Madhes-centric parties, unhappy with the new Constitution. The country was reported to have already incurred a loss of around Rs 800 billion.

Leader Bhattarai, meanwhile, claimed that his 'new force' would soon transform into a political party with its focus on country's economic progress. The party will bring leaders and cadres from different political parties to a single forum, he added.

He further said the Madhes agitation was gradually turning violent and it should be cooled down soon.