The Madhesi Front was always marred by distrust, and never a firm alliance. After four major parties inked a 16-point constitution deal on the constitution and a national government, the Front has fractured like never before. And every member party is trying to use the deal for its own benefit.
Bijaya Gachhadar, one of the key members of the front, not only signed the deal but also brokered it. Other Madhesi parties led by Raj Kishor Yadav, Anil Jha, Sharad Singh Bhandari and Mahendra Ray have criticised the agreement. But they are unlikely to reject it, and want to benefit from the 40 per cent seats allocated for Proportional Representation (PR).
Upendra Yadav teamed up with Ashok Rai and announced another alliance: Federal Socialism Forum Nepal. Yadav and Rai both had rejected the deal, but their unified party seems more interested in post-constitution politics and opportunities. The front’s leader Rajendra Mahato is alone against the compromise but has no support from other leaders. Mahanth Thakur and some youth leaders are planning an agitation, but look confused over where to start.