Not even a week after the agreement with the government, the central Tarai is already gripped by election fever.

Asked if elections will happen, Bidyanand Sah, a Saptari native who works as a hotel guard here replies without hesitation: "This time the government will do it. But no one will win a majority and results will be a khichdi."

At Ghantaghar Chok an APF sentry, rifle slung over his shoulder, says: "Nothing will stop it now, but we will have to provide security. The local police is useless."

Parsa district will elect five members to the constituent assembly. The NC has the organisation and established faces but the cadre is demoralised. The UML has a base, especially among the town's Muslims and Tharus. The Madhesi parties have skeletal structures but the 'Forum' is a known brand, and with smart campaigning can translate ethnic consciousness into votes. No one gives the Maoists any chance here.

Even candidates of mainstream parties are desperate to prove their Madhesi credentials. Babu Jan Ali of the UML is up against friend-turned-foe Bimal Srivastava of the RPP. Ali sits on his bed, forming election committees and planning mass meetings.

"We participated in last year's Madhes movement, this time I gave my moral support, I will refuse any party whip that goes against Madhesi interests," he says. Ali takes a dig at his opponent: "Look at Bimal. His family has married Pahadis, their lifestyle is Pahadi. And he is a royalist." It looks like communal mudslinging will be a hallmark of his campaign. There is concern about armed groups who are opposed to the deal with the government, and candidates admit they don't go out at night.

The militants are uncertain about how the public will perceive their use of violence to disrupt elections, and they do need an exist strategy.

People here expect them to set off blasts to show their presence, but they will strike deals with candidates to get money in return for security and support.

Across the border in Raxaul, the Hindu right is divided on the question of Nepal. Baba Sanjay Nath, a local priest, has often taken processions of sadhus to oppose secularism in Nepal for which he is rumoured to have got money from royalists. He is supposed to be behind the Nepal Defence Army. But Anil Sinha, a BJP state committee member and head of Seema Jagaran Manch, is in touch with both armed and unarmed Madhesi leaders. Sinha says: "Restoring the Hindu rastra and weakening the Maoists is more important than saving the monarchy in Nepal."