Miscellaneous
MJF-L conclave gets under way
Madhesi Janadhikar Forum Loktantrik Chairman and Deputy Prime Minister Bijay Kumar Gachhadar is likely to face criticism during the party jamboree for “flip-flopping” on Madhes issues.Madhesi Janadhikar Forum Loktantrik Chairman and Deputy Prime Minister Bijay Kumar Gachhadar is likely to face criticism during the party jamboree for “flip-flopping” on Madhes issues. The party’s first general convention kicked off in Biratnagar on Monday.
Party leaders said the three-day conclave will guide the party leadership for taking a concrete position on the Madhes crisis. The MJF-L leadership also plans to rename the party.
“There has been discussion for renaming the party in a way to make it acceptable to people living in the plains, Hills and Mountains,” said Gachhadar. He said the party organisation would be restructured in order to transform it into a national force. It, however, remains unclear whether there will be major changes in the leadership.
MJF-L Vice-chairman Mohammad Mosim Siddiquie said the party has prepared its political paper, which outlines its position on national issues. He said the documents would be endorsed along with feedback from the convention representatives.
Leaders privy to the developments said Gachhadar is under increasing pressure to take a firm stance on the issue of Tharuhat and greater autonomy for Madhes. Unlike other Madhes-based parties, he wants at least three provinces in the plains, which means eight states in total.
“It’s hard for leaders to defend the position the party took when the Madhes movement was at the peak. They have been saying that the party should aggressively lead the Tharuhat movement instead of wasting time on turning the party into a national force,” said a leader. Some leaders also have strong reservations about renaming the party.