Nepal’s ‘Gathbandhan’ Takes Shape: 8 Parties Join Hands in New Progressive Front

Nepal’s political landscape has witnessed a fresh realignment with eight parties joining hands to form the ‘Progressive Front’, a new political platform focused on constitutional reform, federalism, social justice and greater representation for marginalised communities.

The alliance brings together the Janata Samajbadi Party, Janamat Party, Aam Janata Party, Nagarik Unmukti Party Nepal, Pragatishil Loktantrik Party, Nepal Sanghiya Samjawadi Party, Bahujan Ekta Party Nepal and Khumbuwan Rastriya Morcha.

The grouping is significant because its constituent parties currently have no representation in Nepal’s federal Parliament following the March 2026 elections. Many of them are Madhesh-centric or identity-based parties seeking to regain political influence through a common platform.

The Progressive Front has made constitutional amendment a key priority, arguing for stronger implementation of federalism and a more inclusive democratic system. It also seeks equal and proportional representation based on population in federal and provincial legislatures.

The alliance has specifically highlighted the concerns of Madhesis, indigenous communities, Tharus, Dalits, Muslims, women, backward classes and sexual minorities, pledging to fight discrimination, exploitation and inequality.

Importantly, the front’s concept paper allows the parties to coordinate political movements and participate jointly in elections when necessary, while retaining their individual identities. Major decisions are expected to be taken through consensus.

The development comes after the March election in which Prime Minister Balen Shah’s Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) won 182 of Nepal’s 275 parliamentary seats. The RSP is not part of the new front.

The alliance has not formally stated that it was created specifically to defeat Shah or the RSP. However, its decision to unite outside the ruling party and keep open the possibility of joint electoral participation could eventually turn the Progressive Front into a significant political counterweight.

The announcement also comes days after communal clashes in Koshi and Madhesh provinces, adding further weight to the front’s emphasis on inclusion and representation.