Kathmandu, May 2

Four parties — Rastriya Janata Party-Nepal, Federal Socialist Forum-Nepal, Naya Shakti Party-Nepal and Janamukti Party today held a meeting to discuss possibilities of merger or alliance.

RJP-N presidium members Mahantha Thakur, Rajendra Mahato, NSP-N Coordinator Baburam Bhattarai and FSF-N Chair Upendra Yadav were present in the meeting.

Mahato told THT they held their first meeting to discuss possibilities of unification or alliance and soon they would hold a second round of meeting to discuss these issues.

“We want to create an alternative force that could champion the cause of marginalised communities of all regions — mountain, hills and the Tarai. Only an alternative force can address the question of prosperity, identity and good governance,” he added.

When asked about the possibility of merger between the RJP-N and FSF-N, Mahato said they were trying to forge consensus for unity or alliance between all four parties and therefore, the merger between the two parties was not an immediate priority.

Recently, the FSF-N and the RJP-N exchanged letters expressing willingness to hold unity talks but no substantial talks were held after that.

Mahato said the four parties could form a unity coordination committee to work out a deal among the participating forces. He said other parties championing the cause of empowerment of Madhesis, Tharus, Janajhatis, Dalits and Muslims could also be invited for talks.