Federal Democratic Morcha's Support for Balen Shah as PM Sparks Political Rift in Madhes Politics

Kathmandu. The Federal Democratic Morcha's decision to support Balendra Shah (Balen), a senior leader of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, as Prime Minister has generated a new wave in the politics of the Terai-Madhes region.

Following the Morcha, comprising Madhes-centric parties, issuing well wishes, congratulations, and support to Balen, calling him a 'Son of Madhes,' leaders from the influential constituent Janata Samajbadi Party (JSP) Nepal have strongly criticized and opposed the decision.

The Morcha's meeting, held under the chairmanship of JSP Nepal's senior leader Mahantha Thakur, issued a statement saying that seeing Balen Shah as Prime Minister would be a matter of joy for the Madhesis, Tharus, and indigenous nationalities. However, many have commented that the Madhesi parties, which recently suffered defeats in the elections, are resorting to 'political helplessness' by supporting Balen instead of reviewing their losses.

JSP Nepal leader Dr. Surendra Kumar Jha attacked the Morcha's decision via social media. He argued that when parties contested separately in the elections and most chairpersons even forfeited their deposits, chanting Balen's name instead of reviewing the defeat is merely a way to evade accountability for their crimes.

Dr. Jha stated, 'Those who screamed their throats raw saying Balen is not a Madhesi, with what face have they called him a Son of Madhes today? It is astonishing to play the despicable game of good wishes and congratulations after burning down one's own house to ashes.' He also suggested that leaders over 65 years of age should take a rest and spend time with their grandchildren.

Another leader from the same party, Shailendra Sah, described the Federal Democratic Morcha not as a platform for the people's movement, but as a 'club' for reconciling leaders' interests. He asserted that the Morcha, which had no cooperation or common agenda during the elections, only engaged in taking photos and issuing statements, thus its relevance has ended and it would be best to dissolve it.

JSP leader Purna Basnet commented that the same Madhesi parties that opposed Balen Shah when he bulldozed scrap dealers and slum settlements while serving as Mayor are now seeking refuge with Balen. He stated that the leadership is displaying unethical character instead of reviewing the shameful election defeat. Basnet said, 'Dishonest leadership that does not take moral responsibility for defeat cannot sustain future politics.'

Similarly, JSP Nepal leader Dr. Bobby Singh criticized the Morcha as a structure created merely for holding meetings. She stated that it is meaningless for the leadership, which failed to form a common strategy and contested against each other in the elections even after the Morcha was formed, to convene meetings just for formality.

Political analysts suggest that the current support for Balen Shah as Prime Minister by Madhesi leaders who previously criticized him as 'anti-Madhes' and 'non-Madhesi' indicates a major ideological deviation in Madhes politics. Criticism against the leadership within the Morcha itself has begun, suggesting they are trying to leverage Balen's 'popularity' to save their existence after being defeated in their own strongholds.