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Eight Madhes-based parties are working to form an alliance to push for the unfulfilled demands of the Madhesi and Tharu communities. Over the past few days, these parties have been meeting regularly to finalize the alliance's structure, code of conduct and leadership. They are also reviewing past agreements with the government, assessing what has been addressed and what remains pending. However, there is a broad agreement that the alliance should not have "Madhes" in its name to present itself as a national political force rather than a regional one.

These parties have clarified that their coalition is not anti-government. The discussions involve the Janata Samajbadi Party, Janamat Party, Janata Samajbadi Nepal, Nagarik Unmukti Party, Loktantrik Samajbadi Party, Rastriya Mukti Party Nepal, Janata Pragatishil and Tarai Madhes Loktantrik Party. Once a dominant force in Nepal’s first Constituent Assembly (CA), Madhes-based parties have gradually lost influence in recent years.

Madhes-based parties opposed the 2015 constitution, which led to its first amendment in 2016, addressing some of their demands. However, after the 2017 local elections, these parties largely abandoned their initial agenda, prioritizing power instead. Now, they are paying close attention to constitutional amendment discussions, especially remarks by major party leaders suggesting that Banke and Bardiya be incorporated into Karnali province—a proposal strongly opposed by Madhesi and Tharu leaders.

Resham Lal Chaudhary, coordinator of Nagarik Unmukti Party, stated that a task force has been formed to identify common concerns, review the implementation of past agreements and highlight unresolved issues. The timing of this effort coincides with ruling parties' plans to amend the constitution, which could directly impact Madhesi and Tharu representation. For instance, the government aims to increase electoral thresholds and modify the current electoral system, changes that Madhes-based parties view with skepticism.

A key demand remains the public release of a report prepared by a commission constituted under former Supreme Court Justice Girish Chandra Lal, which investigated human rights violations during the 2015-16 Madhesi uprising. Madhes-based leaders argue that the government’s failure to make this report public has denied justice to victims, particularly in the Tharu community.

Additionally, Madhes-based parties are aligning with other identity-based movements in Nepal. They have expressed solidarity with protests against a proposed cable car project in Pathibhara, a site known as Mukkumlung in Kirati scriptures. During a solidarity event, Rajendra Mahato, leader of Rastriya Mukti Party Nepal, urged the government to address the demands of Limbuwan activists, reaffirming his party’s support for their cause.

The renewed push for Madhes unity comes as Nepal’s major parties prepare for constitutional amendments, new political forces emerge and local elections approach. In the 2022 federal elections, the strength of Madhes-based parties declined significantly. Upendra Yadav’s Janata Samajbadi Party and CK Raut’s Janamat Party each secured six seats, while Janata Samajbadi Party Nepal won five, Loktantrik Samajbadi Party four and Nagarik Unmukti Party four.

Despite ongoing discussions, it remains uncertain whether Madhes-based parties will succeed in forming an alliance, let alone achieving party unification. Previous attempts have failed due to leadership disputes. Moreover, these parties often align with major national parties—Nepali Congress, CPN-UML and CPN (Maoist Center)—to secure electoral victories rather than uniting among themselves. Many in Madhes are disillusioned with their leadership, seeing them as power-hungry rather than committed to fulfilling their promises.

Should CPN (Maoist Center) Chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s efforts to break the NC-UML coalition government falter, he may extend support to Madhesi and Janajati demands. If the coalition remains intact until the 2027 elections, an alliance between Maoist, Madhesi and Janajati forces could emerge. However, whether this will translate into lasting political gains for Madhes-based parties remains to be seen.

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, Bishnu Prasad Poudel, has said the government has focused its attention on the issue of protection of the Constitution, its effective implementation, development, good governance and permanent solution to various problems.

At a discussion with the newly elected team of the Rupandehi chapter of Federation of Nepali Journalists on Sunday, DPM Poudel clarified that the government brought ordinances in recent periods to resolve the existing problems of the country and its positive results would be gained gradually.

He urged media persons to publish and disseminate true information among the general people by studying thoroughly the content of the ordinances.

The DPM mentioned, "The incumbent government was formed in a difficult situation. The government has been taking the country towards a positive path. The alliance between the CPN-UML and Nepali Congress will last till 2084."

Attempts were made to spread rumor that the Social Networking Sites Regulation Ordinance is against press freedom and freedom of expression, he shared, clarifying that the government is always in favor of press freedom and freedom of expression.

DPM Poudel added, "Everyone should be responsible for their actions. Those doing good work should be rewarded and those doing crime should be punished."

He assured of providing support from his side to fulfill the plans forwarded by the FNJ Rupandehi and urged media persons to make the development activities carried out in Rupandehi as the matter of discussion.

Similarly, President of FNJ, Rupandehi, Dinesh Pandit, briefed DPM Poudel about the current situation and future plan of FNJ, Rupandehi.

A new bill registered in the House of Representatives aims to remove the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal’s (CAAN) role as a service provider, if passed. This legislation will separate CAAN’s regulatory and service-oriented functions, allowing it to focus solely on oversight and compliance.

According to Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation Badri Prasad Pandey, CAAN will retain its authority over key regulatory responsibilities, such as granting and revoking aircraft-related permissions, overseeing registration and cancellations, and ensuring personnel qualifications. It will also be responsible for setting and enforcing safety standards for air services.

To manage airport construction, operation, and related services, a separate bill has been proposed. This new legislation, the Nepal Civil Aviation Act 2024, will replace the Civil Aviation Authority Act 1996.

Under this restructuring, CAAN will have the authority to grant licenses and permissions to organizations and service providers operating airlines, aircraft, gliders, ultralights, microline balloons, paragliding, skydiving, and other aerial activities. It will also oversee air navigation services, airport operations, and civil aviation training programs.

Additionally, the bill grants CAAN jurisdiction over aircraft and parts manufacturing, maintenance, import, storage, sale, and distribution. It will regulate commercial flights by foreign airlines in Nepal and oversee international airline operations.

The authority will also have the power to issue ‘type’ certificates for aircraft and grant licenses, certificates, and permits to personnel requiring specialized skills in civil aviation.

Further responsibilities include setting standards for air traffic services, aircraft search and rescue, fire prevention, aviation weather information, and life-saving services. CAAN will also be responsible for installing, operating, repairing, and maintaining aviation communication, air navigation, and surveillance equipment.

Moreover, the authority will enforce international aviation standards and implement recommendations from global conventions and organizations. It will also coordinate and collaborate with international regulatory bodies to ensure compliance with global aviation norms.

Minister for Land Management, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation, Balaram Adhikari, has said the government is working in a way that the Commission formed now to address the land-related issues would be the final one.

While inaugurating a building for the Land Revenue and Survey Office at local Chabahil today, he said the Commission has been granted the authority now unlike the previous Commissions.

He said no fake landless people will be recognized as the landless people as in this digitalized age the status of land possession of anyone will be easily known with the online entry of the citizenship certificate.

Minister Adhikari urged the Office employees to not work against rules and procedures, warning an action in case of violation of rules.

The Land Management Minister said that land that was capped during the 2021 BS Land Reform Policy, has now been registered and it should be corrected.

He also urged the Office to ensure the archiving of the details of public land across the country.

He said the Office has been established to provide the land revenue and survey services from a single venue.

Secretary at the Ministry of Land Management, Cooperative and Poverty Alleviation, Arjun Prasad Pokhrel stressed that office employees should work with a new vision, advising them to protect the old data in a systematic way.