Baburam Bhattarai said that the blockade backfired as it annoyed the people and downplayed the genuine agendas of the protest. The former prime minister, who arrived in the district today, opined that parties should now compete on developing the country. “The long protest in Madhes didn’t affect Kathmandu,” he said, “It would be better to stage protests like sit-ins in the capital city to press the government.” He stressed that genuine demands of Madhes should be addressed by amending the constitution.