Madheshi Movement

The Madheshi Movement refers to a series of socio-political agitations and reform movements led by the Madheshi people of Nepal, primarily from the Terai or Madhesh region bordering India. The movement seeks greater political representation, social equality, and constitutional recognition for Madheshis, who have historically faced discrimination and exclusion from Nepal’s political, administrative, and security institutions dominated by the hill-based (Pahadi) elite.
The Madheshi Movement has played a pivotal role in reshaping Nepal’s federal and democratic evolution, particularly after the abolition of the monarchy in 2008 and the promulgation of the Constitution of Nepal in 2015.

Background and Demographic Context

The Madhesh (Terai) region is a fertile plain stretching across southern Nepal along the border with India. It is home to diverse communities — including Madheshis, Tharus, and various other ethnic and linguistic groups — who share close cultural and familial ties with populations in northern India (particularly in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh).
Despite contributing significantly to Nepal’s economy, particularly through agriculture and trade, Madheshis have historically been politically marginalised.
Key features of the Madheshi population:

• They constitute roughly 30–35% of Nepal’s total population.
• Speak Maithili, Bhojpuri, Awadhi, and Hindi dialects, along with Nepali.
• Have traditionally been underrepresented in Nepal’s government, civil service, and military.

This systemic exclusion formed the basis for the long-standing Madheshi identity and autonomy movement.

Historical Background of the Movement

The Madheshi political assertion dates back to the early 1950s, but gained momentum after 1990, following the restoration of democracy in Nepal.

1. 1950s – 1980s:
   • The newly formed Nepali state (post-Rana regime) pursued a policy of cultural and linguistic homogenisation, promoting Nepali as the national language and Hinduism as the state religion.
   • Madheshis, because of their Indian cultural ties and linguistic diversity, were often viewed with suspicion and denied full citizenship rights.
2. 1990s – Multiparty Democracy:
   • The restoration of democracy in 1990 brought constitutional reforms, but Madheshis continued to be underrepresented in politics and bureaucracy.
   • Madheshi grievances regarding citizenship, land rights, and identity were largely ignored.
3. Post-2006 Democratic Transition:
   • After the People’s Movement (Jana Andolan II) of 2006 that ended King Gyanendra’s direct rule, hopes for inclusion rose.
   • However, the interim constitution of 2007 failed to adequately address Madheshi demands, triggering widespread protests and the First Madheshi Uprising (2007–2008).

The 2007 Madheshi Movement (First Uprising)

The first major Madheshi Movement erupted in January 2007, led by the Madhesi Jana Adhikar Forum (MJAF) and other local organisations.
Key demands included:

• Proportional representation of Madheshis in state organs (army, police, civil service, judiciary).
• Federal restructuring of Nepal with autonomous Madhesh province.
• Recognition of Madheshi identity and equal citizenship rights.
• Ending discrimination in citizenship laws that disadvantaged Madheshi women and their children.

Outcome:

• The movement resulted in over 50 deaths and widespread unrest.
• The Nepalese government signed an agreement with the Madheshi leaders in August 2007, promising federalism and proportional representation.
• The Interim Constitution was amended (2007) to recognise Nepal as a federal democratic republic, incorporating Madheshi concerns in principle.

The Second Madheshi Movement (2015)

The Second Madheshi Movement erupted after the promulgation of the Constitution of Nepal (2015). Madheshi groups opposed the new constitution, arguing that it institutionalised their marginalisation.
Key grievances:

1. Federal Boundaries:
   • The new constitution divided Madhesh into several provinces, diluting their demographic majority and undermining demands for a single Madhesh province.
2. Representation in Parliament:
   • Electoral provisions were seen as unfairly favouring the hill regions over the densely populated Madhesh.
3. Citizenship Provisions:
   • The constitution made it difficult for children of Nepali women married to foreign nationals (many Madheshi women marry Indians) to acquire citizenship, reinforcing gender and regional discrimination.
4. Inadequate Inclusion:
   • Madheshi parties claimed insufficient guarantees for inclusion in national institutions such as the army, police, and civil service.

Consequences:

• Widespread protests, strikes, and clashes occurred across the Terai region.
• Over 50 people were killed in the unrest.
• Nepal’s southern border with India faced a blockade (2015–16), disrupting supplies of fuel, medicines, and essential goods.

The blockade — perceived in Kathmandu as tacitly supported by India — strained Nepal–India relations.

Role of Madheshi Political Parties

Several political parties and alliances have represented Madheshi interests, including:

• Madhesi Jana Adhikar Forum (MJAF)
• Terai-Madhesh Loktantrik Party (TMLP)
• Sadbhavana Party
• Rastriya Janata Party Nepal (RJPN)
• Federal Socialist Forum Nepal (FSFN)

Over time, these parties have merged, split, and restructured, but they collectively remain influential in advocating for federalism, inclusion, and identity-based politics in Nepal.

Government Response and Reforms

Following intense domestic and international pressure, the Government of Nepal introduced constitutional amendments to address some Madheshi demands:

1. First Amendment (2015):
   • Ensured proportional representation and inclusion of marginalised groups.
   • Revised provisions on electoral constituencies based on population.
2. Second Amendment Proposal (2016):
   • Sought to adjust provincial boundaries and citizenship provisions, but failed to pass due to political opposition.
3. Ongoing Dialogue:
   • Successive governments have continued negotiations with Madheshi leaders, though a lasting settlement remains elusive.

Broader Issues Underlying the Movement

1. Identity and Recognition:
   • The Madheshi demand for recognition as equal citizens reflects a struggle against historical exclusion by the hill-dominated political elite.
2. Representation and Federalism:
   • Central to the movement is the call for proportional representation and federal autonomy that reflects demographic realities.
3. Citizenship and Border Politics:
   • Citizenship laws rooted in fears of “Indian infiltration” continue to disadvantage Madheshis, especially women.
4. Economic and Regional Inequality:
   • Despite being agriculturally rich, Madhesh remains underdeveloped due to poor infrastructure and limited state investment.

Impact of the Madheshi Movement

1. Federal Restructuring:
   • The movement was instrumental in transforming Nepal into a federal democratic republic with seven provinces.
2. Political Inclusion:
   • Increased Madheshi representation in parliament and local governments, although still below proportional levels.
3. Awareness of Identity Politics:
   • Brought national attention to the issues of regional and ethnic exclusion.
4. Strain on Nepal–India Relations:
   • The 2015 blockade and perceived Indian sympathy for Madheshi demands complicated bilateral ties.
5. Ongoing Federal Debate:
   • The movement continues to influence discussions on constitutional amendments and state restructuring.

Challenges and Criticisms

• Fragmentation of Madheshi Leadership: Frequent party splits and leadership rivalries have weakened the movement’s unity.
• Political Instrumentalisation: Critics argue that some leaders use Madheshi identity politics for personal or electoral gains.
• Security and Violence: Protests occasionally turned violent, alienating sections of the public.
• Complex Ethnic Composition: The Madhesh includes multiple ethnic groups (Madheshi, Tharu, Muslim, Dalit), complicating the demand for a single Madhesh province.