‘Upendra Yadav is playing with the sentiments of the Madhesi community’

In a recent turn of events, the rift between leaders in Madhes has escalated, with senior leader of Loktantrik Samajwadi Party-Nepal (LSP-N) and former deputy prime minister Rajendra Mahato expressing concerns about Upendra Yadav, the chair of the Janata Samajwadi Party-Nepal (JSP-N). Mahato, in an exclusive interview, pointed out that despite rising to power through the Madhesi movements that cost the lives of 117 Madhesis, Yadav is now playing with the sentiments of the Madhesi community.

Mahato emphasized that Yadav has benefited from the positions of power bestowed upon him as a result of the Madhes movements. However, he criticized Yadav for collaborating with forces that do not prioritize the welfare of Madhesis. Mahato stated, “Yadav’s activities and responsibilities continue to have enormous significance and influence because he emerged from the ashes of the Madhesi movements. Sadly, it now seems that Yadav merely utilized the movements as rungs on the ladder to ascend to power.”

The former deputy prime minister accused Yadav of supporting agreements that go against the interests of the Madhes, suggesting that Yadav has forgotten his roots and the sacrifices made by the Madhesi community for his political rise. Mahato argued that making the Madhes prosperous requires leaders to sacrifice their narcissistic nature and avoid power-hungry politics, which, according to him, Yadav seems to have neglected.

The conflict between Janamat and JSP-N has recently intensified, especially after Yadav attended an event in Saptari where Janamat Chair CK Raut defeated him in the latest Lower House elections. Despite the defeat, Yadav was invited as the chief guest to the foundation-laying ceremony for Madhes Agriculture University on January 23. The invitation led to clashes between police and Janamat Party cadres, resulting in injuries, including Madhes minister of education Mahesh Prasad Yadav.

Mahato expressed concern about Yadav’s actions, stating, “Attacking colleagues from the Madhes is an attack on Madhesi sentiment. It has harmed the Madhesis. As a result, the incident in Saptari, which was solely about the chief guest issue, has hurt the Madhes and its people.”

While acknowledging that there are drawbacks to CK Raut’s leadership, Mahato emphasized the importance of protecting Madhesi leaders and fostering a healthy and friendly contest instead of destructive competition. He warned Yadav not to underestimate the power of the people who helped him gain political prominence, citing the recent House of Representatives election where Yadav was defeated in Saptari-2 by his own people.

In conclusion, Mahato called for unity among Madhesi leaders in the government to pressure the coalition to make Madhes a prosperous province, emphasizing the need for cooperation over internal conflicts.

The Himalayan Times deserves credit for the initial report on this matter.