KATHMANDU: While the old political parties of Madhesh are struggling with internal divisions, two emerging forces from the recent general elections are in the final stages of unification. The Janamat Party, led by CK Raut, and the Nagarik Unmukti Party (NUP), led by Ranjita Shrestha and under the patronage of Resham Chaudhary, are set to announce their merger.
Janamat and NUP emerged as new forces in the 2022 general elections, with Janamat gaining prominence in eastern Madhesh and NUP in western Madhesh. Leaders from both parties have expressed their intention to unite and establish themselves as an alternative force from east to west.
The unification process between Janamat and NUP is said to be in its final stages. Several meetings and discussions have already taken place between Janamat’s Raut and NUP’s Chaudhary. Since the discussions are positive, leaders of two parties believe the unification will be formally announced soon.
NUP’s Chaudhary revealed in Kathmandu on February 9 that the unification process was making progress. Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Nepal Samajwadi Party (Naya Shakti) General Convention, he said, “You will soon receive positive news regarding the unification between Janamat Party and our party.”
Janamat President Raut was also present on the occasion.
The modalities of the unification, the name of the new party and the election symbol have been discussed in detail between Raut and Chaudhary.
Abdul Khan, Vice Chairperson of Janamat Party, said that the talks between the two parties were heading in the positive direction. “NUP’s Chaudhary was in India for the Mahakumbh, and our chairperson was in Dubai for an event,” Khan told Himal Press. “The two leaders will finalize once they return home.”
According to Khan, discussions on the unification process will intensify this week. He also added that the modalities of the unification have been finalized. “Most of the discussions have been completed. The modalities of the unification have also been finalized. Raut will be the chairperson, while Chaudhary will be the main leader,” Khan said. “Since both parties enjoy significant trust of the people, there will be no issues regarding leadership roles.”
Khan added that the new party will retain the name “Janamat”, while NUP’s election symbol “Dhakiya” would be picked as the election symbol.
He also said that the top leadership will soon finalize the formation of central and district committees. “It may take up to six months to complete all these processes,” he added.
CK Raut formed Janamat after abandoning separatist ideologies and participated in the 2022 general election. Even though it was its first election, the party challenged the old Madhesh-centric parties and established a strong presence in the Madhesh Provincial Assembly. Similarly, Janamat also secured representation in the House of Representatives in its first election.
NUP also made its mark in the House of Representatives and the provincial assemblies in its first election. Both parties have positioned themselves as alternatives to the old political forces.
Khan claimed that the new party formed after the unification will emerge as a strong political force from east to west. “We both were born as alternative political forces. NUP has a strong presence in the west, and we have a strong presence in the east,” he said. “We are confident that the new party will have a significant impact across Madhesh.”
While Janamat and NUP are finalizing their unification, other Madhesh-centric parties with similar ideologies and agendas have not been included in this process. Although alliances with other Madhesh-centric parties are possible, leaders say there is no immediate possibility of unification with them.
Khan stated that while the ideologies and agendas of other Madhesh-centric parties align, there is no immediate possibility of unification. “Their mindset hasn’t changed, and their old egos remain. So, unification is unlikely at the moment,” he said. “However, the door for unification will always remain open.”
Janamat Party spokesperson Sharad Singh Yadav also said that the public has placed its trust in them as an alternative to the old Madhesh-centric parties. “People have high hopes on us. Had Loktantrik Samajwadi Party (LSP) and Janata Samajwadi Party (JSP) performed well, we wouldn’t have emerged in the political scene,” he added.
Yadav said discussions for unification between Janamat and NUP are making progress. “Both leaders, Raut and Chaudhary, emerged from people’s movements. They have strong public trust and no issues regarding leadership roles,” he said. “The new party will not repeat the mistakes of the old parties.”
Ranjita ‘not aware’ of unification
While leaders from the two parties are finalizing the unification, NUP Chairperson Ranjita Shrestha claims that she is unaware of the process. She even stated that she has no information about the meetings between Janamat and NUP leaders regarding the unification.
“Is there talk of unification? I have no idea,” Shrestha told Himal Press. “No meetings have taken place. I am unaware of any meetings.”
She added that while other leaders may have discussed unification, she has not been informed. “I have no information. Those attending the meetings would know,” she said. “I am not participating in the meetings. Reshamji might be involved.”
Janamat’s Khan acknowledged that while the unification talks are progressing positively, there are some issues within NUP. “There is a minor issue within NUP. Ranjitaji has said that she is unaware of the unification tasks, but Reshamji has assured that everything will be resolved,” Khan said.
