Madhesh-based parties’ Front faces setback within months of formation after Rai-Mahato deal

Summary

Madhesh-based regional parties in Nepal face setbacks with new alliances and splits, as Ashok Rai's Janata Samajbadi Party and Rajendra Mahato's Rastriya Mukti Party form a new working alliance, impacting the Federal Democratic Front.

Key Points
  • Ashok Rai's Janata Samajbadi Party and Rajendra Mahato's Rastriya Mukti Party formed a 'unity-oriented working alliance' in August 2023.
  • This new alliance is seen as a fracture within the Federal Democratic Front formed in April 2023.
  • The alliance aims for future unification but is not a sub-alliance within the Front, according to Rastriya Mukti Party leaders.
  • The Federal Democratic Front has faced challenges including divisions over candidates in the Rupandehi-3 by-election.
  • Despite attempts at unity, Madhesh-based parties continue to experience splits and internal conflicts.
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