KATHMANDU, Dec 28: Rajendra Mahato, the second-ranking leader of the Loktantrik Samajwadi Party (LSP), is laying the groundwork for the establishment of a new political party.
Over the past few months, Mahato has been embroiled in a serious dispute with LSP Chairman Mahanth Thakur. The discord reached a point where Mahato recently boycotted the Central Committee meeting convened by Thakur, citing dissatisfaction with the party chairman's behavior.
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Mahato, who recently concluded a tour of various districts in Madhesh, arrived in Kathmandu on Wednesday night. During his visit to Madhesh, he engaged with local LSP workers in Sarlahi, Mahottari, Dhanusha, Siraha, Saptari, Sunsari, Morang, and other districts. A source close to Mahato revealed, "He went to Madhesh seeking advice on whether to form a new party or remain with LSP. Most advised him that Thakur's leadership is untenable, urging him to initiate the formation of a new party." Following these consultations, Mahato reportedly decided to move forward with launching a new political entity.
LSP was established in 2078 BS, and legal provisions dictate that Mahato cannot form a new party by breaking away from LSP. The law stipulates a five-year waiting period for a party formed through a split to establish another new party. Therefore, Mahato is exploring the option of creating a new party without formally splitting from LSP. Public officeholders and MPs affiliated with LSP face potential consequences if they join Mahato's new party, putting their positions at risk. As a result, Mahato is said to be strategizing the formation of a new party that includes individuals not currently holding public office.
