Political differences between the agitators from the plains and the Government of Nepal persisted even though Kathmandu held the first round of elections on Sunday. Speaking to The Hindu , a leading member of the Madhesi morcha said that despite promising, the government of Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ had not done anything to push the promised amendments to the Constitution of Nepal.
“Almost all the Madhesi parties have joined the election process hoping that the government would address our demand for amendments to the Constitution. But nothing has been done to push the amendments so far,” said Upendra Yadav, former foreign minister and leader of the Sanghiya Samajwadi Forum, Nepal.
Key stance
Mr. Yadav’s opinion is significant as several southern provinces will hold elections in the second phase in June. During the second round, four provinces bordering India will witness polls even as sporadic protests continue against the elections in these provinces.
Nepal on Sunday held the local level elections, the first phase of the election process which will lead to the general election by the end of the year. Nearly 50,000 representatives are vying in the municipal election. The Madhesis had earlier opposed the elections demanding implementation of the amendments first but later agreed to the polls.
“The polls are necessary as this is the first time in more than two decades that these elections are being held,” said Mr. Yadav highlighting the need to balance popular politics with rights of the plains people. The Madhesi demands include reorganisation of the States of Nepal to ensure greater representation of the people of these provinces.
