Janamat Party's second convention begins; Ghising, Yadav raise questions on Madhesh

The second national convention of the Janamat Party began on Saturday. Offering greetings at the inaugural programme, Kulman Ghising, chairperson of Ujyaalo Nepal Party, said the time has come for a serious review of Madhesh's politics. He said it must be examined whether the achievements gained through struggles for rights have been implemented. Ghising questioned whether becoming president and prime minister from Madhesh has brought fundamental change to the living standards of ordinary people. He said irrigation should be expanded to make Madhesh an economic hub, and electricity supplied to farms should be free for agriculture. He also said it should be reviewed why Madhesh-based parties, though they have become regional forces, have not been established as national parties.

Upendra Yadav, chairperson of the Janata Samajwadi Party, Nepal, said the gains of the movement are in danger. He said Madhesh is not limited to eight districts but extends from Mechi to Mahakali. He demanded restructuring of the seven-province system and said Madhesh's representation in the National Assembly should be based on population. He said Madhesh-centred parties should unite and return to struggle.

Ganesh Parajuli, deputy leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), said a son of Madhesh became prime minister on the votes of the people of Madhesh. He said the RSP has cooperated with the Janamat Party on many issues.

Ashok Jaiswal, leader of the Progressive Democratic Party, stressed that all oppressed communities must unite to secure their rights.