The Janamat Party (Nepali: जनमत पार्टी, lit. 'Public Opinion Party') is a Nepalese political party. The party stands as a national party in Nepal and is the eighth-largest party since the 2022 general election.[2]
History
Formation
Formerly known as Alliance for Independent Madhesh, it was formed by former secessionist leader C. K. Raut.[3] It was formed after signing an 11-point agreement with the government of Nepal and resulted in ending his separatist movement with KP Oli.[4] The party was formed on 18 March 2019 after a two-day conclave held on 17–18 March in front of 50 delegates representing 22 districts of Nepal's Terai region.[5] A three-member committee headed by Chandan Singh was formed to implement the deal signed with the government. Aimed at expanding the party's strength, a 35-member central working committee was also formed under Raut's leadership.[6]
Party expansion and 2022 elections
The party underwent development of party organization centered mainly in Lumbini and Madhesh Province. Though the party couldn't get expected level of success, it was able to win two local levels of Saptari district which include Balan-bihul and Hanumannagar Kankalini Municipality which were previously won by Janata Samajwadi Party.[7] Due to Janamat party, the vote bank of Janata Samajwadi Party was seen to have largely declined limiting the former largest party of Madhesh province to third position. Party won Hanumannagar Kankalini mayor defying son of provincial minister Nawal Kishor Sah, Shailesh Kumar Sah who was also the outgoing mayor.[8][9]
The party won decisive seats in Madhesh provincial assembly. The party chair CK Raut won from Saptari 2 defying Upendra Yadav, the chairman of People's Socialist Party, Nepal.[10] The party crossed 3% threshold limit to take the toll to 5 in Pratinidhi Sabha. The party chair and Congress senior leader Bimalendra Nidhi had positive talks regarding future government formation at national level and provincial assembly on 30 November 2022.[11] During the talks, Raut cleared that he was a firm believer of democracy and was ready to join hands with Congress forming a democratic government.[12][13]
