Madhesi leaders warn of street protests

KATHMANDU, NOV 30- Several Madhes-based parties who fared badly at the second Constituent Assembly election have warned to resort to street protest s if the constitution was drafted without addressing the issues of Madhes.

Speaking at an interaction programme titled 'Second Constituent Assembly and issues of Madhes' organised by the association of Madhesi journalists here in the Capital today, Tarai Madhes Loktantrik Party Chairman Mahanta Thakur argued that the issues of Madhes could not be addressed through mathematical power equation at the CA.

'That was not possible in the earlier CA, and neither will it be possible in the current CA," said Thakur, "Only struggle can establish the issues of Madhes."

While saying that the ones who were in favour of struggle and change were now behind because of the election results, Thakur, however, opined that one should not lose one's optimism as ups and downs were part and parcel of struggle. "Neither have we given up our struggle or the issues," he said.

Thakur added that the flaws that were seen on the day of election and the following days were enough to harbour suspicion that the votes might have been rigged.

Also speaking at the programme, Chairman of Sadhbhawana Party, Rajendra Mahato , said that their platform for street protest was still safe. He was of the opinion that the supporters of federalism should maintain their pressure on the CA.

"Defeat in the election is not a defeat of the goal, our mission has not been defeated yet," said the former minister.