The political crisis in Kathmandu escalated further after a 29-party alliance agitating against the Nepali government on Tuesday boycotted the political talks held in Kathmandu under the leadership of Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli.
They said that they did not attend the talks as the government did not extend them a formal invitation.
After the talks, Prime Minister Oli issued a two-page note mentioning the government’s response to the demands for constitutional amendments made by the Madhesi parties. However, the Madhesis criticised it as an insincere attempt.
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“I was aware that the government would hold talks with us but I was not informed of the venue or date of the talks. I learnt of the talks from the friends and newspapers friends and not through an official source,” said Upendra Yadav, chairman of the Sanghiya Gathbandhan which has 29 parties representing both the Madhesis and non-Madhesi groups who are demanding amendments to the new Constitution of Nepal.
Speaking over the phone, Rajendra Mahato, leader of Sadbhavna Party and a prominent Madhesi leader, told The Hindu that they would nevertheless respond to the government’s statement. “We have seen the letter from Mr. Oli and it seems that Mr. Oli does not want to deal with our core demand for constitutional guarantees to end discrimination against the Madhesis and Janajatis,” he said.
The Madhesis have been on the warpath since May 14 demanding amendments. The first agitation from September 2015 to February 2016 took place under the Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha (SLMM). The present agitation has other groups as well, making it more representative.