KATHMANDU: A shifting political dynamic is taking shape in Terai Madhes, home to over half of Nepal’s population.
The emergence of the Janamat Party, led by CK Raut, injected a new element into the political landscape of Madhes during the last election.
As the Rastriya Swatantra Party aimed to establish itself as an alternative to the dominant Nepali Congress, CPN-UML, and Maoist Center in the hills, Prabhu Sah’s Aam Janata Party is trying to show its presence in the Terai.
Adding to this evolution is lawmaker Prabhu Sah, who, having previously clashed with both the Maoists and UML in Madhes, is sowing the seeds of a new political entity.
Prabhu Sah’s Endeavor in Madhes
Prabhu Sah, a former leader of both the Maoist Center and CPN-UML, has rebelled and formed the Aam Janata Party, actively seeking to gain influence in Madhes.
Considered a prominent leader of the Maoists in Madhes, Sah made a strategic move by joining CPN-UML instead of aligning with Maoist Center Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda after the Nepal Community Party split.
Initiating an anti-corruption campaign through the creation of an IT army, Sah further asserted his presence by announcing a Madhes bandh on Thursday.
Who is Prabhu Sah?
Prabhu Sah, associated with CPN-Maoist since the People’s War period, was elected from Rautahat Constituency-3 in the first Constituent Assembly of 2064 BS.
Winning with 11,000 votes, he outpaced competitors from Madhesi Janadhikar Forum, Nepali Congress, and CPN-UML.
In the subsequent Constituent Assembly election in 2070 BS, amid the Maoist party’s decline nationwide, Sah secured victory from Rautahat-3 with an increased vote count of 13,000.
His popularity continued to surge, earning him 27,000 votes in the 2074 BS elections, where collaboration between Maoist and UML further strengthened his position.
Despite his significant contributions and influence, Sah chose not to align with UML, instead standing independently in Rautahat-3 in the House of Representatives.
His efforts were rewarded with a resounding victory, garnering 32,375 votes.
As Sah and his Aam Janata Party navigate the complex political landscape of Madhes, its similar nature with CK Raut adds a new layer of intrigue to the region’s evolving political narrative.
Sah’s Electoral Prowess Evident in the 2079 BS Election
The electoral prowess of Sah is unmistakably evident in the 2079 BS election.
Following a meeting with KP Sharma Oli in Balkot, Sah, initially a CPN-UML candidate, “deceived” the UML by registering as an independent candidate, leaving the UML without a representative in that constituency.
Nepali Congress, in response, supported Rabindra Patel of the Maoist Centre.
During a wave of independent candidates sweeping the nation, Sah faced opposition from another independent candidate, Om Prakash, as well as contenders from Nagarik Unmukti Party and Janamat Party in Rautahat Constituency-3.
In the aftermath, Prabhu Sah personally filed a complaint with the administration, urging action against 130 individuals, including Janata Samajwadi Party Chairman Upendra Yadav and Ram Kumar Sharma, the latter having later aligned with the Maoists.
Despite the challenges, Sah emerged victorious, defeating the alliance and securing a seat in the House of Representatives.
Sah, with a track record of continuous victories, has won three times from the Maoist party and once as an independent candidate.
His tenure in the Maoist party included responsibilities in urban development and other ministries.
Transition to UML Amid NCP Split
Considered a prominent leader of the Maoists in Madhes, Sah made a strategic move by joining CPN-UML instead of aligning with Maoist Center Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda after the Nepal Community Party split.
Alongside figures like Ram Bahadur Thapa Badal, Top Bahadur Rayamajhi, Lekhraj Bhatta, Mani Thapa, Jwal Kkumari Sah, and Gauri Shankar Chaudhary, Prabhu Sah chose to remain with UML.
Amidst the NCP’s internal discord, the party penalized four of its parliamentarians, including Prabhu Sah.
Not only was Sah affected, but his wife, the head of Moulapur Municipality in Rautahat, also faced repercussions from the Maoists.
In the 2079 BS elections, Sah secured a seat in the House of Representatives, while his wife, Rinakumari Sah, won the position of Mayor of Moulapur Municipality under the UML banner.
Despite being removed by UML, a court ruling reinstated her position.
Aam Janata Party Emerges as a Force in Madhes
Post the 2079 BS elections, independent MP Sah established the ‘Aam Janata Party.’
The party now appears to be strategically positioning itself in Madhes, leveraging the strength of the movement.
A close associate from the UML Secretariat, familiar with Sah, told Khabarhub, “Prabhu Sah is an astute political player. He is poised to stand against formidable opponents such as Upendra Yadav and Mahantha Thakur.”
Confrontation with Upendra Yadav: Gaur Murder Sparks Tensions
Prabhu Sah finds himself in a longstanding clash with Upendra Yadav, the Chairman of the Janata Samajwadi Party, a prominent figure in Madhesi politics for the past 15 years since the inception of the Madhesi prty.
The origin of this conflict traces back to the Gaur murder incident.
During the Maoists’ early engagement in the peace process, a tragic attack occurred at a meeting in Gaur, Rautahat, on the March 21, 2007.
This incident resulted in the death of 27 Maoist activists.
Actively mobilizing people through various campaigns, Sah states, “Madhesh is a province that is enduring more challenges than others. There is now a responsibility to rescue the country from this crisis, particularly rampant corruption in Madhes.”
In the aftermath, Prabhu Sah personally filed a complaint with the administration, urging action against 130 individuals, including Janata Samajwadi Party Chairman Upendra Yadav and Ram Kumar Sharma, the latter having later aligned with the Maoists.
Further tensions arose when a clash erupted between the Madhesi People’s Rights Forum and the then CPN Maoists at the same location, a local rice mill.
Sah was actively involved in opposition to Upendra Yadav, alleging his involvement in the Gaur murder.
However, Upendra contends it was a double clash.
Interestingly, the relationship between CK Raut and Upendra Yadav is strained, while Prabhu Sah has rarely criticized CK Raut.
Similarly, Raut appears not to vehemently oppose Sah.
Political Strategies and Power Dynamics in Madhes
Taking inspiration from CK Raut’s success in establishing the Janamat Party in Madhes, Sah is actively pursuing a similar path to gain influence.
Sah asserts, “The youth must now raise their voices in favor of democracy, with the new generation leading the charge.”
Identifying himself as a leftist, Sah aims to bolster communist influence in Madhes.
However, both the UML and Maoist Center do not seem supportive of Sah’s expansion plans.
Presently, the government in Madhes is under the leadership of Janata Samajwadi Party, while CK Raut has recently quit the province government.
Sah is openly against the Madhes government, pointing out that its direction seems to sway alternately under the influence of UML Chairman KP Oli and Nepali Congress Preident Sher Bahadur Deuba.
Sah questions, “Isn’t the support of both Oli and Deuba beneficial for Madhes?”
Navigating the Path to Power in Madhes: Sah’s Strategy
Mani Thapa, a former leftist colleague of Prabhu Sah during his tenure in the Maoist and UML, now inactive in UML, sheds light on the ease with which Prabhu Sah can gain power in Madhes.
According to Thapa, Sah’s consistent advocacy for Madhes positions him favorably in the region.
Looking ahead to the 2084 BS elections, Sah confidently asserts, “Our party will carve out a distinct position. It is the party of the common people.”
Thapa, speaking to Khabarhub, affirms, “He is popular in Madhes.”
Having actively contributed to his constituency and the Madhes province, Thapa foresees a rise in the stature of Sah’s party in the upcoming 2084 BS election.
In addition to his political influence, Sah has established a youth squad named ‘IT Army’ in Madhes.
Thapa believes that Sah’s youthfulness, coupled with his emergence from the Maoist ‘People’s War’, positions him well to garner support and power in Madhes.
The Anti-Corruption Campaign: Sah’s Slogan for Change
Prabhu Sah has strategically adopted an anti-corruption campaign as his rallying cry.
Emphasizing his history of working in the interest of Madhes and its people, Sah aims to move forward with a fresh perspective and vision.
Sah criticizes the old leadership in Madhes, accusing them of holding the country hostage by ostensibly opposing the hill region in the name of Madhesi parties.
He expresses his intention to shift the political center not only to Madhes but to the entire country.
Sah claims to have walked with the people at the core of his approach.
Actively mobilizing people through various campaigns, Sah states, “Madhesh is a province that is enduring more challenges than others. There is now a responsibility to rescue the country from this crisis, particularly rampant corruption in Madhes.”
Looking ahead to the 2084 elections, Sah confidently asserts, “Our party will carve out a distinct position. It is the party of the common people.”
With a focus on representing the interests of the people, Prabhu Sah aims to shape a political landscape centered on the well-being of both Madhes and the entire nation.
Comment