On 14 April 2017, six of the seven constituents of the United Democratic Madhesi Front agreed in principle to merge in a bid to form a strong force representing the Terai region.[7] The party was formed on 21 April, as the Rastriya Janata Party and Mahanta Thakur was announced as its chairperson.[8] The party on 26 April, changed its name to Rastriya Janata Party Nepal (RJPN) after it clashed with another party bearing the name Rastriya Janata Party, which later merged with Nepal Loktantrik Forum, registered with the Election Commission.[9] The party registered with the Election Commission on 7 July 2017.[10][11]
Elections, 2017–2020
The party had initially decided to not participate in the third phase of the local elections but changed their decision later.[citation needed] The election of 1,112 candidates of the party handed it the second highest number of candidates elected in Province No. 2. The party won 25 mayoral posts, including a win in Janakpur.[12]
The party won 2 seats in the National Assembly elections, both candidates were elected unopposed from Province No. 2.[19][20] On 20 April 2018, disgruntled leaders led by Ashok Kumar Yadav broke away from the party and formed Rastriya Janata Party (Democratic).[21]
