UML general convention kicks off in Butwal amid swanky ceremony
The 8th general convention of the Unified Marxist Leninist (UML) has
kicked off on Monday in Butwal amid huge presence of party supporters,
foreign invitees and top leaders of various political parties.
Party general secretary Jhala Nath Khanal inaugurated the 6-day general
convention at the splendidly decorated Butwal Mandap following rallies
from across the town.
The opening function was not only the swankiest political jamboree of
recent times, but it was a rare occasion when top leaders of almost all
the political parties in the country shared the same dais.
Prime Minister and chairman of Unified CPN (Maoist) Pushpa Kamal Dahal,
Nepali Congress president Girija Prasad Koirala, Madhesi Janadhikar Forum
chairman Upendra Yadav, Sadbhawana Party chairman Rajendra Mahato and
former Prime Minister and Rastriya Janashakti Party chairman Surya Bahadur
Thapa were among those attending the opening ceremony to wish the success
of the UML convention.
NC president Koirala had arrived in Butwal on Sunday while PM Dahal flew
there today.
Over 40 representatives of communist and socialist parties from 14
countries including India, China, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Spain,
Germany, Greece, Italy, Norway and Russia also participated in the
inaugural function.
Nearly 300,000 party supporters joined in the inaugural function.
Thousands of uniformed volunteers have been mobilised to manage the
general convention and massive security arrangements have been made in
Butwal and surrounding areas in view of the general convention.
As many as 1802 party delegates from 75 districts are participating in the
general convention, who will discuss the party's policies and elect new
leadership.
Party general secretary Khanal, former general secretary Madhav Kumar
Nepal and senior leader KP Sharma Oli area in the fray for the post of
chairman.
The UML has decided to go for multi-post leadership system from this
general convention which, leaders claim, will be the convention of party
unity and ideological clarity. nepalnews.com mk Feb 16 09
