Renewed push for Madhesi-Tharu unity

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.