Rajendra Mahato Heads to New Delhi – Catalyst for a New Party Amid LSP Rift?

Rajendra Mahato, the second-in-command of the Loktantrik Samajwadi Party (LSP), has made his way to New Delhi, leaving political pundits speculating on the motives behind this sudden move. Sources close to Mahato reveal that his visit to the Indian capital is part of a strategic plan in the wake of escalating tensions within the LSP, as he gears up to establish a new political entity.

The root cause of the turmoil lies in the growing discord between Mahato and LSP Chairman Mahanta Thakur. This internal strife reached a boiling point when Mahato opted to boycott a recent central committee meeting convened by Thakur. In a bold declaration, Mahato has now announced a ‘national liberation revolution,’ signaling his intention to forge a new political path.

Insiders suggest that Mahato’s journey to New Delhi is not merely a symbolic gesture but a pivotal step in his pursuit of establishing a fresh political outfit. His family sources indicate that he plans to spend three days in the Indian capital before returning to Kathmandu, his home base.

To gather grassroots perspectives and consolidate support for his nascent political endeavor, Mahato has reportedly embarked on a tour of various districts in Madhesh. It appears that the differences between Thakur and Mahato have grown irreconcilable, with leaders close to Mahato affirming that the two are no longer aligned within the same party.

The backdrop to this recent development traces back to August 2021 when Thakur, Mahato, Sharat Singh Bhandari, Anil Jha, and other leaders parted ways with the Janata Samajwadi Party (JSP) to establish the Loktantrik Samajwadi Party (LSP). However, less than two years since its formation, the LSP has found itself embroiled in a contentious internal debate.

While Mahato is bound by legal constraints preventing him from splitting the LSP, he retains the ability to launch a new political entity. The political landscape is now set for a potentially seismic shift as Mahato’s actions in New Delhi are anticipated to shape the trajectory of Nepal’s political future. The coming days are crucial as the nation watches to see how this ‘national liberation revolution’ unfolds and its implications for the political dynamics within the Loktantrik Samajwadi Party.