First convention of TMDP kicks off

Published On: June 21, 2016 04:10 AM NPT By: Kalpana Bhattarai

Don't blame India for protests in Madhes: Indian leaders
NAWALPARASI, June 21: The first national general convention of Tarai Madhes Democratic Party (TMDP) has started in Parasi of Nawalparasi district from Monday.

In the party's first general convention, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Vice-President Bhagat Singh Koshyari, who is also former chief minister of Uttarakhand, India, said that everyone has their rights to raise their issues with the state in a democratic manner.

Senior BJP leader Koshyari further blamed that the government of Nepal has defamed India for the blockade and protest in Madhes carried out by Madhesis themselves.
He also urged not to disturb the relations between Nepal and India.

Likewise, addressing the TMDP's convention, Rastriya Janata Dal (RJD) Vice-president Raghuvansh Prasad Singh suggested all the Madhes-based parties to unite together for the movement. He also urged the Madhesi leaders to continue their agitation till their rights are ensured.

India is not interfering in Nepal's internal affairs and the blame on India is baseless, according to RJD leader Singh. Nepal and India have the 'beti-roti' relations, which no power in the world can destroy.

Inaugurating the convention, TMDP Chair Mahantha Thakur blamed the government for not being serious about resolving the Madhes issue. He informed that 36 rounds of talks have already been held but to no avail. The current movement will continue until autonomous Madhes among other demands are met, according to him.

United Democratic Madhesi Front (UDMF) will not sit for talks unless the government comes up with its clear stance on the 11-point demands submitted earlier, he added.

Over 1,200 representatives from 27 districts of Tarai region are attending TMDP's first general convention, which will continue for two more days. The convention was also attended by Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba and Rastriya Prajatantra Party Chair Pashupati Shumsher JBR among others.