The Tarai Madhes Loktantrik Party has announced that the party would hold its first general convention from June 20 to 22. The party has not held the convention since its formation on 2007.

Veteran leader Mahanta Thakur-led TMLP is the third largest Tarai-centric party behind the Sanghiya Samajwadi Forum Nepal and Madhesi Janadhikar Forum (Loktantrik).

Most Tarai-centric parties are under increasing pressure to hold the general convention fearing action from the Election Commission. The commission has warned to scrap the registration of many Madhes-centric parties due to delays in holding the general convention. Last month, the EC had scrapped the registration of 15 political parties, including that of the Samajwadi Janata Party led by sitting Minister Prem Bahadur Singh for failing to abide by its code of conducts. Singh looks after the

portfolio of water supply and sanitation.

“Our party has already received three letters from the commission. But that’s not the only reason we are holding the convention. There is also urgent need to restructure the party,” said a TMLP leader.

Earlier, the Bijay Gachhadar-led MJF-L had scheduled its first general convention for May 2-4 in Biratnagar. Leaders said that the convention is also expected to rename the party. “Besides restricting the party’s organisational setup, the convention would also help make its position clearer on various political issues and the ongoing crisis,” said MJF-L General Secretary Ramjanam Chaudhary.

Other Madhes-based parties, including the Sadbhawana Party, are also gearing up for their convention. The party had concluded the general convention of its sister wings last month. The Anil Jha-led Nepal Sadbhawana party held its general convention in Janakpurdham on April 8, becoming the first Madhes-based party to do so.