Kathmandu, April 20
Five constituents of the Madheshi Morcha are announcing their unification into a single party in Kathmandu on Thursday.
Mahantha Thakur-led Tarai Madhesh Democratic Party, Rajendra Mahato-led Sadbhawana Party, Mahendra Yadav-led Rastriya Madhesh Samajbadi Party, Sharad Singh Bhandari-led Tarai Madhesh Sadbhawana Party and Raj Kishor Yadav-led Madheshi Janaadhikar Forum-Republican would unite to form the Rastriya Janata Party.
A meeting of the five parties till late night on Wednesday decided to go into the merger, according to the sources.
The parties have agreed to adopt the rotational leadership among members of the praesidium till the unity convention. Accordingly, TMDP Chairman Mahantha Thakur will lead the party for some months. He would represent the party
Though five members of the praesidium would have an equal status, Thakur would represent the party in inter-party forums and meetings, according to MJF-Chairman Raj Kishor Yadav.
Existing office bearers of constituent parties would remain in the same positions until the convention, which the parties agreed to hold as soon as possible.
“We have agreed for the collective leadership,” RMSP Chairman Mahendra Yadav said, “The party unification will be announced today.”
Likewise, the leaders decided an umbrella for the election symbol and a three-colour flag with red on top, green on bottom and white in between. The colours would represent revolution, prosperity and peace respectively.
The party’s ideological principle would be “participatory inclusive democracy based on democratic socialism.”
The parties had attempted to be united under the leadership of Thakur, but the consensus had remained elusive.
Meanwhile, two constituents of the agitating Madheshi Morcha have been left out of the ring.
Whereas the Upendra Yadav-led Federal Socialist Forum-Nepal is discussing the merger with Baburam Bhattarai-led Naya Shakti Nepal, Anil Jha-led Nepal Sadbhawana Party said further discussions were needed for the unification.
Jha, however, has hinted at the agreement for the merger after internal discussions in the party, a source informed.
The parties had expedited discussions for the merger for last few months.
A dinner meeting was organised on Wednesday night to conclude the unity bid.
