Madhesi parties inching closer to taking part in local polls

Leaders of the Rastriya Janata Party Nepal (RJPN), a key Madhesi party, on Friday met Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and Maoist chief Prachanda and discussed the issues relating to the demands put forth by the Madhesis. "We were wishing to take part in the elections but the government should first create a conducive atmosphere for the same," a senior Madhesi leader said. The ruling alliance, Nepali Congress and CPN-Maoist Centre, have assured that they would endorse the Constitution amendment bill tabled in the Parliament, senior RJPN leader Rajendra Mahato said.

"We were positive in participating in the local-level elections but the formal decision to this effect will be taken only after the Constitution amendment bill is endorsed by the Parliament," he said, adding that the talks were moving towards positive direction and they were hopeful that their demands will be addressed.

Senior leader of Nepali Congress Ramchandra Poudyal said that after today's talks, the Madhesi parties were close to taking part in the elections.

"An understanding was reached to table the Constitution amendment bill by Tuesday and I am hopeful that the Madhesi parties would take part in the third phase of elections," Poudyal said.

On Thursday, Madhesi leaders had met External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.