Madhesi leaders seek to forge common stance before PM Dahal's India visit

Leaders of the Samyukta Loktantrik Madhesi Morcha (SLMM), an alliance of seven Madhes-based parties, are reportedly keen to reach a common position on contentious issues of the Constitution before Prime Minister Pushpa Kumar Dahal undertakes his first official visit to India next month.

The governing parties- CPN (Maoist Centre) and Nepali Congress-and the SLMM are expected to start fresh negotiations, possibly from next week, to find a political solution to the Terai crisis, for which the government has pledged to register a constitution amendment proposal in Parliament by mid-October, reports the Kathmandu Post.

"I have heard the government is planning to register an amendment proposal before Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal's visit to New Delhi. We are hoping that the negotiations will start soon," the Kathmandu Post quoted Sadbhawana Party Chairman Rajendra Mahato, as saying.

Prime Minister Dahal is expected to visit India from September 15 to 18.

The Morcha is also under pressure to have a common view for sending members to the task force.

Redrawing of provincial boundaries with at least two provinces in the Terai plains is one of the key demands of the Morcha.

It has also demanded that its concerns regarding proportional representation and citizenship among others be addressed.

Though the new government has pledged to address the agitating parties' demands, the governing parties are yet to come up with any formal proposal.