Nation comes first before Madhes: Gachhadar

KATHMANDU, JUL 29 - Madhesi Janadhikar Forum-Loktantrik (MJF-L) Chairman Bijaya Kumar Gachhadar has dismissed the accusations that he has betrayed Madhes, saying that the nation comes first in his priority before Madhes. He claimed that he did not sign the 16-point agreement regarding the constitution drafting along with major three political parties to secure power. “For me, the national agenda comes first before Madhes and Madhesi people. Other agendas will be prioritised only after that,” said Gachhadar after receiving a memorandum at the Reporters Club in Kathmandu. He said that he has not abandoned the agendas of Madhes. “It would be wrong to accuse me of being anti-Madhes or i have given up on Madhes agenda,” he said. “The blood of Madhes and Madhesi is running through my veins. Gachhadar was never against Madhes nor will ever be.” He said that the political parties were holding positive discussions about promulgating the constitution with finalisation of names and borders of federal states. Saying that the new constitution will address the spirit of Madhes, Gachhadar revealed the plan to demarcate state borders not only along the North and South but also by splitting the districts. Saying that the outright refusal of some Madhes-based parties to sit for talks would not resolve the problems, he urged the disgruntled partied to seek solution through dialogue. He said that he was in favour of religious freedom instead of secularism as suggested by the public feedback.