Kulman Ghising, chairman of Ujyalo Nepal Party, on Saturday urged Madhesh-based political parties to critically review their past achievements and shortcomings, calling for them to advance as national forces. Speaking at the second national general convention of Janamat Party in Birgunj, Madhesh Province, Ghising emphasized the need for a serious assessment of the issues raised over the past two decades since 2062-63 BS.
Ghising stated that while the issues raised by Madhesh political forces were correct and successfully reached the public, their implementation and resolution require serious review. “We raised issues, we took them to the people. A serious review is needed on whether those issues were resolved and if the issues we raised were correct, whether they were implemented,” he said.
He questioned why Madhesh parties, despite establishing influence as regional forces, have not been able to establish themselves as national parties. “We could not establish ourselves nationally; let’s conduct a serious review of that,” Ghising added.
Ghising stressed the need for a national political force that can effectively raise issues from the Himalayas, hills, and Tarai alongside those of Madhesh. He argued that such a national party is essential for economic transformation, good governance, and social justice.
He also highlighted the need to examine the gap between the issues raised by Madhesh political forces in the past and the political achievements made. Ghising noted that Madhesh has secured high political positions, including Prime Minister and President, but questioned if this has translated into fundamental changes in the basic lives of the people. “Madhesh has received many positions. There has been a situation where a son of Madhesh has become Prime Minister and President. Now, a serious review must be done on whether there has been a change in the fundamental issues of the people,” he stated.
Background on Madhesh Politics
The second national general convention of Janamat Party commenced on Saturday, October 3, 2026, in Birgunj. Janamat Party was founded by Chandra Kant (CK) Raut on March 18, 2019 (Chaitra 4, 2075 BS). The party entered mainstream politics following an 11-point agreement with the then KP Sharma Oli government on March 8, 2019 (Falgun 24, 2075 BS).
Ujyalo Nepal Party, chaired by Kulman Ghising, was established in November 2025 (Kartik 2082 BS) following the Gen Z movement, focusing on good governance, prosperity, social justice, and a green revolution.
Madhesh movements have historically centered on issues such as federalism, identity, rights, representation based on population, citizenship, and inclusion in state organs. A key demand of these movements was “one Madhesh, one autonomous province.” These movements played a significant role in the promulgation of the interim constitution on Magh 1, 2063 BS.
Calls for Unity and Future Outlook
Separately, Upendra Yadav, chairman of Janata Samajbadi Party Nepal, also speaking on Saturday, October 3, 2026, stated that the achievements gained through past movements are now at risk. He called for renewed struggle to protect rights and identity. Yadav questioned why Janamat Party and Janata Samajbadi Party Nepal, despite sharing many similarities, have not been able to move forward together and urged for cooperation.
Meanwhile, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dol Prasad Aryal, is scheduled to depart on Sunday, October 4, 2026, to participate in the 153rd General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). He plans to advocate for Nepal’s issues concerning disaster and climate change on the international platform.
Unanswered Questions
The detailed “past achievements and shortcomings” mentioned by Ghising were not specified in his address. Furthermore, Ghising’s reference to a “son of Madhesh” having served as Prime Minister and President remains unclear, as current Prime Minister Balen Shah and President Ramchandra Paudel are not typically identified as Madhesi leaders. The specific individuals or circumstances Ghising was referring to in this context are not explicit. Additionally, detailed action plans and targets for Ujyalo Nepal Party’s agenda on economic transformation, good governance, and social justice have not yet been fully articulated.
