Madhesi Parties Flourish : A Ray of Hope

As per the result declared so far in the CA Elections this time under FPTP system, all Madhesi Parties together has emerged as strong political force in Nepal. They have emerged as the single largest force after Maoist. This has been very much opposite to the general perception about Nepal.

It is yet hard to predict how the exalted Madhesi leaders perform especially when they will have to work in alliance with their one time foe number one, the Maoist. All will depend on how MJF under Upendra Yadav plays its cards.

I see the emergence of MJF as a major political force has given the easiest way out to the Madesh crisis. Their loss would have kept the Madhesi voice low and that would help the extremist groups like the MPRF and Terai Tigers. This would have gone to becoming a fourth ethic violent struggle in South Asia along with LTTE in Sri Lanka, Gurkha Movement in Bhutan, Separatist Movement in Kashmir. These all have one disturbing fact, no respect to the sovereignty of the existing boundaries.

MJF on its part, has maintained that respect and have played their cards well within the acceptable boundaries. Expect for few people like Paramendra Bhagat (person close to MJF and its Chief) who maintains a blog on Democracy for Nepal. He has written plenty of good and respectable issues from the Madhesi community but he goes too ahead to bargain even a separate country. This type of arguments can only ignite social violence and can end up in serious ethnic cleansing activities from the state.

But we Nepalis are really lucky. MJF have won and they have good leader in Upendra Yadav. But he will still have to deal with other old opportunists leaders from the community from TDMP and Sadbhawana. Along with that is the over expectation from the community in terms of economic benefits. This will come but will take time and he will have to play safe here.

As most people believe India's involvement in Madhesi crisis. I don't see any such possibility. Separate state for Madhesi community in Nepal and independent councils within it for Bhojpuri, Maithili and Adahi people (as forwarded by Maoist) can actually be a headache for Bihar and the Central Govt. of India. This can arise some similar movement in Bihar for seperate states among these communities and also a greater Gurkhaland Movement in Darzeeling.

Also, the other problem is undermining Maoist in Kathmandu can only lead to its internal support for Indian Maoists. This can be dangerous for Indian Congress and BJP, if not for the whole of India.

Keeping these factors in mind, and knowing the Maoist commitment for Federalism which is the MJF's major demand. The Madhesi Crisis seems solved. It has all good for Madhesi Community and overall Nepalese in common.