|
|
Kishore Biswas: Upendra Yadav turned out to be dishonest. He is a traitor. His decision was undemocratic, regressive and went against the spirit of collective leadership. Where was the process of consultation? I am very unhappy.
What is your basic disagreement with the deal?
We had three core demands - declaration of a republic; a full proportional representation based system; and an amendment in the constitution to incorporate the principle of regional autonomy with the right of self-determination. Upendra Yadav has betrayed madhes on all three issues.
Your agenda is similar to that of the Maoists. Is there any possibility you will strike an alliance with them?
In principle, we may have common issues. But for them, this is a political stunt. They have no moral credibility left. Didn't they sign the interim constitution without these provisions? If the Maoists are really serious, they should quit the government and parliament and come on the streets. Then we can think of cooperating.
Don't you think that the division in MJF will only weaken the Madhesi movement? What is your future strategy?
We are keeping alive the non-violent thread of the Madhes struggle. Madhes has got too radicalised and the problem will not be solved by dealing with one person, or deploying strategies of divide and rule. If we had not split, then the sympathy of Madhesis would have been fully for armed action. We will now talk to the armed groups and try to bring them into the peaceful movement. Only a round table conference can lead to a solution.
Will the elections happen on 22 November?
Madhesis want elections more than anyone else. But there is no political environment right now. The government needs to give in on key demands; we need to engage with Goit and Jwala Singh. If elections are held without these steps, then it will be meaningless and will sow seeds for a longer conflict.
Related Articles
. "The Gorakhpur connection"
. "Nepal should be a Hindu rastra again"
. "They're immature"
