Bhairahawa, March 12
United Democratic Madheshi Front has called a general strike in Nawalparasi and Rupandehi districts, declaring that it will obstruct the CPN-UML’s Mechi-Mahakali Campaign. Though the strike has had no effect in Rupandehi, there was some effect of the call in Parasi of Nawalparasi district.
The campaign is moving ahead from Kawasoti of Nawalparasi from Sunday. Surya Thapa, deputy chief of the UML’s Publicity Department, said their campaign rally will turn into a gathering at Bhumahi after passing through different places along the East-West Highway. UDMF cadres have started their preparations with a bid to disrupt the UML’s gathering in Bhumahi.
While the UML is preparing for its mass gathering in Bhumahi, which has a majority of Tharu and Madheshi inhabitants, UDMF cadres are pouring into Parasi, where motorcycles and small vehicles are plying despite the bandh call.
CPN-UML leader and a lawmaker from thej region, Baijanath Chaudhary, said UDMF obstructions will have no impact on the UML’s campaign. An increased number of security personnel have mobilised in the region. From Bhumahi, the UML rally will reach Bhairahawa through Sunwal and Butwal.
The UML is organising its mass gathering in Bhairahawa on Sunday itself. After the gathering in Bhairahawa, UML leaders will return and stop for a night in Butwal. On Saturday, the UML showed its strength in Kawasoti of Province 4 and the Narayani River Banks in Province 3 by organising mass gatherings.
A huge turnout in these gatherings has lifted the spirits of UML leadership. Kiran Gurung, coordinator of the UML’s Province 4, said more than 50,000 people attended the mass gathering in Kawasoti.
At the same gathering, RPP central member Amar Nath Sharma and others entered the UML. Tens of thousands of people are reported to have taken part in the gathering on the Narayani banks.
