Image source, Janardan Sharma/Facebook
Published
Reading time: 4 minutes
The unrest observed in various districts of Koshi and Madhesh provinces and emerging doubts over the current government’s commitment to federalism have prompted most Madhesh-centered parties to prepare for forming a new political front.
This new front is expected to be formally established under the name ‘Progressive Front’ on August 23.
Analysts have noted that this announcement, coinciding with preparations for coalition by leftist parties, indicates increased political polarization.
What is the objective of the upcoming ‘Progressive Front’?
The soon-to-be announced Progressive Front will include key leaders such as Janardan Sharma from the Progressive Democratic Party (Pralopa), Upendra Yadav from the People’s Socialist Party (JSP), Prabhu Sah from the General Public Party (Ajpa), Dr. CK Raut from the People’s Opinion Party, patron Resham Chaudhary of the Citizen Liberation Party, Rizwan Ansari from the Nepal Federal Socialist Party, and Harinandan Kumar Ambedkar of the Bahujan Unity Party.
“We are forming this front to guide the country forward and find solutions to ongoing crises,” said General Public Party leader Prabhu Sah.
“We want the government’s operations to be progressive and effective,” Sah added.
JSP Nepal chairman Upendra Yadav explained that joining the front was essential to unite for resolving the country’s challenges.
“Finding a solution means addressing national issues. Groups agreeing on progress, good governance, and economic development have joined this front,” Yadav said.
Progressive Democratic Front leader Janardan Sharma stated that the front’s goal is to resolve issues related to the nation and national identity.
“We will publicly share detailed objectives and programs on the 23rd. Primarily, this front is necessary for solving national problems, advancing people’s agendas, and supporting as well as alerting the government,” Sharma explained.
People’s Opinion Party leader CK Raut described the front on social media as “a coalition of revolutionaries, contributors, and warriors who have fought for federal democratic republic and social justice.”
He added that the front consists of parties that have emerged from movements and remain steadfast for social justice.
Why is there discontent about federalism?
Image source, PMO
Weakening commitment of the current government to federalism has raised concerns among several parties, motivating them to form this new front.
“Federalism and provincial powers appear increasingly weakened,” said Prabhu Sah of Ajpa, stressing their aim to empower citizens through the new front.
JSP leader Upendra Yadav expressed alarm over the proposal to dissolve Provincial Assemblies.
“If Provincial Assemblies are to be abolished, what future does federalism hold?” Yadav questioned.
According to them, a resolution made during the National Independent Party’s 2022 convention included plans that could undermine federalism by dismissing Provincial Assemblies, intensifying doubts about the government’s intentions.
Is it an Anti-Government or Electoral Alliance?
The government, led by senior leader Balendra Shah ‘Balen’ from Rastriya Swatantra Party, has been in office for four months.
During this period, controversies regarding the dissolution of the Provincial Assembly and communal tensions in some districts have placed Madhesh-centric parties in difficult positions.
With local and provincial elections approaching, leftist parties are also strengthening their coalitions.
In this context, analysts consider the formation of the new Progressive Front a sign of rising political polarization.
However, leaders of the front have denied claiming the group to be either anti-government or an electoral alliance.
“Our goal isn’t solely to change the government repeatedly, as that yields no benefit,” Upendra Yadav stated.
They also clarified that the front has no association with the recent unrest in Madhesh.
According to the leaders, coalition-building has been ongoing for some time.
“Our front includes leftist, progressive, socialist, revolutionary, Madhesh- and Hill-centered parties. This is not a reaction to other coalitions nor for elections,” Janardan Sharma said.
“Currently, issues like unrest in Madhesh and management of squatters have arisen, where our parties should play a role,” he added.
However, they do not currently plan to undertake actions such as street protests.
Government Efforts to Reconcile
Image source, PMO
Last week, amid tensions in districts of Koshi and Madhesh provinces, Prime Minister Shah met with leaders of various Madhesh political parties.
He emphasized that the government prioritizes empowering provinces and protecting their rights.
Prabhu Sah, who attended the meeting, reported having raised questions about the ability to strengthen provinces.
“The Prime Minister expressed confidence in empowering provinces,” Sah stated.
Upendra Yadav emphasized that commitment to the constitution and federalism should go beyond mere rhetoric.
Prime Minister Shah called upon all political parties to maintain restraint, engage in dialogue, and support national unity, expressing belief that a strong constitution secures a strong future for all Nepalis.
