KATHMANDU: A third faction has emerged in the Janata Samajwadi Party (JSP) marking a split under the leadership of Dr. Mahendra Lawoti and Khagendra Makhim.

Leaders within this new faction have opted to maintain neutrality and independence, refraining from aligning with either Upendra Yadav or Ashok Rai’s factions.

Limbhuwan leaders, who had previously united with JSP, have chosen to remain neutral.

This new faction includes some leaders who joined JSP following their departure from CPN-UML under Ashok Rai’s leadership.

Among those remaining neutral are Khagendra Makhim and his faction, who had united with JSP from the Federal Limbuwan State Council.

Additionally, Professor Mahendra Lavati, currently residing in America, has decided to part ways with JSP and maintain an independent stance.

Dr. Lawati, who supported independent candidate Dakendra Singh Thegim in the Ilam-2 by-election, emphasized the independence of their stance.

Particularly, JSP leaders from eastern Nepal and those in the diaspora have announced their neutrality after three days of deliberation.

“After extensive discussions over the past three days, we have concluded that we will remain independent, without siding with Upendra Yadav or Ashok Rai,” Dr. Lawati told Khabarhub.

Meanwhile, leader Makhim announced that the neutral JSP leaders will convene a press conference on Thursday afternoon today to declare the formation of a new front.

Notably, leaders such as Khagendra Makhim, Dr. Lawati, and Saru Singhak from JSP supported independent candidate Dakendra Thegim in the recently concluded Ilam by-election.

The split within JSP occurred this week, with 12 seats in parliament dividing.

Seven members have aligned with Ashok Rai, while five members support Upendra Yadav.