'Constitution which neglects Madhesi concerns unacceptable'

The leader of the Terai Madhes Democratic Party today said a Constitution which neglects the concerns of the Madhesi people residing in the southern plains of Nepal bordering India would be unacceptable.
Mahantha Thakur, speaking at a programme to welcome new entrants in the party, said his party will opt for fresh protests if the statute did not include the feelings of the Madhesi people.
"There is still discrimination against the Madhesi people and it would not end unless Madhesi people get equal status and proportionate representation in all the state mechanisms," he asserted.
Over 100 people, including former energy minister Umakanta Jha, joined the TMDP at the programme.

Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister Bamdev Gautam said the government's top priority is to promulgate the Constitution within a year.
Speaking at a programme in the capital, the senior CPN-UML leader said the government is committed to promulgating the Constitution through the Constituent Assembly and completing the peace process.
The government's other priority is to hold local elections by forging consensus among political parties, Gautam said.
He asked all sides to support the government to maintain peace and political stability for the development of the country.