Matrika Yadav's refusal to take his oath of office in Nepali but in Maithili carries a lot of symbolism in the madhes. After all, one of the chief demands of the madhesi movement has been the recognition of the language, culture and attire of its inhabitants. Yadav's efforts to highlight the madhes demands is praiseworthy. It was due to his efforts that even the United Nations held a seven-hour meeting with madhesi leaders on 9 December and internationalised the madhes issue. Ever since his first tenure, Yadav has been less a Maoist leader and more a madhesi one.

The week before 19 January is going to be critical not just for the madhes but for Nepal. Yadav's role as minister is significant as the mediator between the madhesi people and the government . The peace process is in jeopardy, there is a temptation to resolve the madhes issue by force rather than negotiations, and the activities of armed groups are growing. Senior ministers from the mainstream parties led by Mahanta Thakur have resigned from the government, party and from parliament.

The first order of business for the constitution is to abolish the monarchy. Supporters of the monarchy are therefore likely to create obstacles for elections, and this challenge has to be met. It is a make or break week for the madhes, and national politicians are moving down to the tarai. But the people don't want any more speeches, they want their grievances addressed once and for all. If Minister Yadav can't deliver, he will be held responsible.

Nepal in 13 January