KATHMANDU: The faction of the Janata Samajwadi Party (JSP) led by Ashok Rai is reportedly preparing to reunite with the UML, causing a split among party leaders.
Leaders are reportedly divided over whether to align with the Madhesi-based parties or the larger communist bloc. This internal division is seen as a key reason behind the potential split in Rai’s JSP faction.
The current developments echo the 2022 split, when clashes between Ashok Rai and Upendra Yadav led to the formation of JSP by Rai. Now, Rai’s faction has reportedly entered into ongoing discussions with UML, while also maintaining contacts with Janardan Sharma’s Pragatisheel Loktantrik Party.
“Ashok Rai is preparing to return to UML,” said UML Vice President Prithvi Subba Gurung. “Discussions are underway with them.”
As Rai’s faction moves toward UML, Madhesi leaders are expected to return to the old JSP-Nepal. Following the merger of Upendra Yadav’s JSP-N and Mahanta Thakur’s Loktantrik Samajwadi Party on Sunday evening, several leaders are reportedly considering returning to the original party.
Leaders such as Pradeep Yadav, Renu Yadav, Naval Kishor Sah Sudi, and Birendra Mahato are said to be planning to hold assemblies in Madhesi districts to align with the JSP-Nepal after the recent merger.
According to Renu Yadav’s secretariat, a majority of leaders are actively involved in the merger campaign. Some leaders, including Pradeep Yadav, had previously stated they would not participate in a unification that could destabilize Madhesi parties and local power dynamics.
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