KATHMANDU, Jan 29: Criticizing Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal’s message to countrymen on Sunday for failing to address the problems of the Madhes, the Tarai Madhes Democratic Party (TMDP) on Thursday said the message has added relevance to the party’s ongoing protest programs. [break]
Speaking at a press conference held at the party’s central office in Kathmandu, party leaders said it was unfortunate the message did not mention anything about the Tarai-Madhes and the problems facing the region. “It has exposed that the present government is not sincere at all toward Tarai-Madhes problems,” party chairman Mahantha Thakur said in a press statement distributed at the press meet.
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On the occasion, party leaders announced a series of protests beginning February 5. The protests include sit-ins at district headquarters on the first day, rallies in all electoral constituencies from February 9 to 15, and lantern and candle rallies by women on February 19. “The party will hold torch rallies on February 26 and call a general strike in all the districts of Tarai-Madhes,” said party’s spokesperson Sarvendra Nath Shukla.
The party also urged the government to withdraw its decision to shift some government offices to Bardibas from Jaleshwar in Mahottari district. The party took the government decision as a move to minimize the political, social and economic importance of the district headquarters. Saying that three lawmakers from the area have been on a hunger strike from Wednesday against the government decision, the party warned of serious consequences if their health deteriorates.
The party also formed a 17-member panel headed by party leader Hridayesh Tripathi to mobilize the party during upcoming by-elections in the Morang and Dhanusha districts.
