Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Madhesh-based political parties have formed an eight-member task force to finalize a modality for cooperation.
A meeting of eight Madhesh-based parties held in Kathmandu on Thursday formed the task force that has a representative each from all parties.
The task force includes Istiyak Rai from Janata Samajbadi Party (JSP), Sharad Singh Yadav from Janamat Party, Manish Suman from JSP Nepal, Gangaram Chaudhary from Nagarik Unmukti Party, Laxman Lala Karn from Loktantrik Samajwadi Party (LSP), Keshav Jha from Rastriya Mukti Party (RJP), Shivaji Yadav from Janata Pragatisheel Party (JPP) and Brajesh Singh from Tarai Madhesh Loktantrik Party.
According to RJP leader Keshav Jha, the task force was formed to prepare a modality for cooperation among Madhesh-based political parties. “We have formed an eight-member task force with one representative from each party,” said Jha. “The task force has been given the responsibility to prepare a modality for cooperation, future agendas and other related issues.”
Jha added that the task force will soon hold meetings to draft a framework for collaboration. The framework prepared by the task force will be presented to the top leadership for final approval.
A leader who participated in the meeting said all participants of the meeting agreed on the need for Madhesh-based parties to unite in the current context. “Given how the government is moving forward, we have agreed that all Madhesh-based parties must stand together. However, the progress seems slow, and it is essential to accelerate it,” the leader said.
He added that there is no alternative to unity among Madhesh-based parties, especially on issues like constitutional amendments and election-related laws where they share similar views.
With the government initiating discussions on constitutional amendments, Madhesh-based parties have begun working on cooperation and forming a united front. Their goal is to unite on Madhesh-related issues, raise a collective voice and present a unified stance on constitutional amendments.
Madhes-based parties started holding discussions on possible collaboration after the Janata Pragatisheel Party (JPP) Chairperson Hridayesh Tripathi, called on Madhesh-based parties to collaborate on common issues. Tripathi and other JPP leaders held separate and joint discussions with several Madhesh-based parties.
The Madhesh-based parties earlier held a joint meeting on January 14.
