The UCPN (M)-led alliance on the first day withdrew its three-day mass protests, which increased tensions within it. There were talks among the parties to forge consensus for drafting the constitution, but there was no formal progress. Then the earthquake occurred. After the massive loss of life and property, the government and the parties focused on rescue of the victims.

Mass protests withdrawn

Differences emerged within the UCPN (M)-led alliances on how to take the protests forward. Madhesi Janadhikar Forum (Loktantrik) chairperson Bijaya Kumar Gachchedar was not in favour of leaving the Constituent Assembly and going for the street protests. Therefore, even when street protests were going on, he stated that street protests, by withdrawing from the Constituent Assembly, would not achieve anything. Taking this cue, Prime Minister Sushil Koirala met Gachchedar and asked him to withdraw the mass protests. However, the meeting of the UCPN (M)- led alliance on the same day decided to make the protests successful. Drafting a federal constitution with identity and rights was the stated objective of the UCPN (M)-led alliance.

The alliance started mass protests from April 7 to 9, but on the first day itself, the UCPN (M)-led alliance withdrew the three-day mass protests. Objecting to this move, Madhesi Janadhikar Forum (Nepal) accused the alliance of deceiving the Madhesi, Janajati, and oppressed class and general population. ‘While the ruling coalition partners Nepali Congress and CPN (UML), showing their majoritarian hubris, are bent on drafting a constitution against the desire of the people, the alliance has committed a grave mistake by withdrawing the mass protests when people had come to the streets and the protests had reached a decisive stage for a meaningful constitution,’2 states the press release by Forum (Nepal). Sadbhawana Party chairperson Rajendra Mahato also accused UCPN (M) chairperson Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Forum (Loktantrik) chairperson Gachchedar of working together to deceive the people. They also tried to make United Democratic Madhesi Front active again. Casting suspicions on the role played by coordinator of the 30-party alliance Dahal, Tarai-Madhes-centred political parties started preparations for a separate struggle.

Two days later, UCPN (M) chairperson Dahal called a meeting of the alliance. But Tarai-Madhes- centred parties were not present in the meeting. Madhesi Janadhikar Forum (Nepal) chairperson Upendra Yadav urged UCPN (M) chairperson Dahal to correct the mistake. Then confusion reigned in the alliance. The meeting of the alliance on April 23 discussed its role on the removing the political deadlock.