KATHMANDU, Sep 26: After rounds of informal talks between senior leaders, Tarai Madhesi Democratic Party (TMDP) and Madhesi People´s Rights Forum (MPRF) have begun formal talks on unification.
Senior leaders including TMDP Chairman Mahantha Thakur and MPRF Chairman Upendra Yadav on Tuesday held their first formal talks on party unification in the capital.
According to sources, leaderships of both parties were close to agreement on unification which is likely to be announced in the first week of October.
"A unified party under leadership of Thakur will be announced in the third week of Bhadra," said a Madhesi leader on the condition of anonymity, adding, "Yadav will be powerful senior vice-chairman."
However, leaders from MPRF claimed that the unified party will be led by Yadav and Thakur will be given post of supreme leader of the party.
MPRF has proposed to name the unified party through general convention after unification.
Another Madhesi leader claimed that the unification will not happen between entire TMDP and MPRF stating that some leaders of TMDP including Vice-chairman Hridayash Tripathi were not happy with the move as they have stressed the need for unification with MPRF-Democratic rather than with MPRF.
"It is not bad to hold discussion with any party for unification but there are differences between TMDP and MPRF at policy level," said TMDP Joint General Secretary Jitendra Sonal, adding, "Unification between the two parties mean either TMPD should quit the present government or MPRF should join the government which is not an easy task."
Meanwhile, a talk team of TMDP on Tuesday held discussion with MPRF-D Chairman Bijay Kumar Gachchhadar about the possible unification with his party.
"We agreed on some issues in principle and held discussion on how to take the issues forward," said Sonal, who was present at the meeting with Gachchhadar.
According to Sonal, Gachchhadar, who is also deputy PM and home minister, said he would form a taskforce withina couple of days to hold talks on unification.
"I will move ahead in the line with recommendation made by the taskforce," Sonal quoted Gachchhadar as saying.
Stating that a single Madhesi party is a must to push forward the Madhesi agenda, TMDP had decided to take the initiatives for formation of single party in Madhes in July.
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