Tejulal Chaudhary Expresses Dissatisfaction with Nepali Congress Leadership Over Tharu Representation

Kathmandu. Nepali Congress leader and former minister Tejulal Chaudhary has expressed serious dissatisfaction with his own party leadership, accusing various political parties of using the Tharu community merely as a 'vote bank'.

Addressing the first general convention of the Nepal Tharu Association held in Sanepa, Lalitpur, he alleged that the Congress party itself is not serious about the issues and representation of the Tharu community.

Leader Chaudhary strongly objected to the fact that even though seven provinces have been established in the country, Tharus have not been given proper representation in state and party bodies, even in areas where they are in the majority. Citing the example of Madhesh Province where Tharus secured a ministerial position through struggle despite a smaller population, he stated that other provinces have completely neglected the Tharu community.

He mentioned that despite a large Tharu population in Sudurpashchim, no minister was appointed from the community, and it is regrettable that during governments led by Congress in Lumbini and Koshi provinces, no one from the Tharu community was made a minister. Questioning the party leadership, he said, 'You talk about inclusivity, but where is inclusivity in practice? Will only Tharus speak on Tharu issues? Doesn't the party have to take responsibility for this?'

Discussing the aspect of constitution implementation, leader Chaudhary mentioned that even though a long time has passed since the constitution was promulgated in 2072 BS, the provision for reservation for the Tharu community has not been ensured in the Federal Civil Service Act. He complained that the Tharus have had to fight legal and political battles repeatedly for their rights and entitlements, but other non-Tharu leaders of the party have never supported this campaign.

During his address, leader Chaudhary demanded that the government immediately publicize the report of the Lal Commission formed regarding the much-discussed Tikapur incident. He urged the leader of the Nepali Congress parliamentary party and the overall leadership of the party to raise a strong voice in the parliament and government for the publication of the report.

He stated that if political parties want the real support and affection of the Tharu community, they must be treated justly, and as a start, the commission's report should be publicized immediately.