Eight political parties in Nepal have announced the formation of a new alliance called the Progressive Front, pledging to push for constitutional amendments, strengthen federalism, and promote social justice and inclusive democracy.
The alliance was announced at a programme in Kathmandu, bringing together the Janata Samajbadi Party Nepal, Janamat Party, Aam Janata Party, Nagarik Unmukti Party, Pragatisheel Loktantrik Party, Nepal Sanghiya Samajwadi Party, Bahujan Ekta Party Nepal and Khumbuwan Rashtriya Morcha.
According to a joint statement, the front aims to unite “democratic and progressive forces committed to protecting national sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity”. It said the alliance would work to end the centralisation of state power and authoritarian tendencies while building a just society based on freedom, equality, democratic republicanism and federalism.
Constitutional amendment has been identified as a key priority. The parties argued that structural flaws and ambiguities in the existing constitution have hindered the effective implementation of federalism. The front has called for a revision or rewrite of the constitution to address these challenges.
The alliance has also pledged to prioritise the upliftment of marginalised communities, including Madhesis, indigenous nationalities, Tharus, Dalits, women, Muslims and other backward communities.
It has demanded representation in parliament and provincial assemblies based on population, along with separate reserved constituencies for women and Dalit communities.
On governance, the front has pledged to promote transparent, accountable and corruption-free administration, as well as quality education, healthcare and dignified employment.
Its economic agenda focuses on agricultural modernisation, hydropower, tourism and industrialisation as key drivers of sustainable economic growth.
The alliance also outlined a foreign policy based on equality and mutual respect with neighbouring and other countries, while prioritising Nepal’s sovereignty and national interests.
The formation of the front comes amid continuing efforts among Madhesh-based and other smaller political parties to strengthen political cooperation. It also follows communal clashes in Koshi and Madhes provinces.
Leaders who signed the joint statement include Upendra Yadav of the Janata Samajbadi Party, CK Raut of the Janamat Party, Prabhu Sah of the Aam Janata Party, Resham Chaudhari of the Nagarik Unmukti Party, Santosh Pariyar of the Pragatisheel Loktantrik Party, Rijwan Ansari of the Nepal Sanghiya Samajwadi Party, Harinandan K. Ranjan of the Bahujan Ekta Party Nepal and Ram Kumar Rai of the Khumbuwan Rashtriya Morcha.
