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Race for leadership in UML: Khanal vs Nepal-Oli alliance

Former General Secretary of CPN (UML) Madhav Kumar Nepal and leader Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli have almost reached an agreement on selecting the party leadership.

Nepal and Oli camps have prepared a framework of the leadership panels during their meetings on Monday and Tuesday evenings.

On the other hand, outgoing General Secretary Jhala Nath Khanal has clearly indicated his intention to stand for the post of Chairman. Party workers have urged me to take up the responsibility, Khanal said talking to journalists on Wednesday. He added, if I have to carry a load I will carry a heavy load.

Most leaders of the party have urged the senior leaders not to divide the party workers by contesting for leadership. Leaders including Chairman of Constituent Assembly Subash Nembwang, Amrit Bohara and Keshab Badal have stressed on the need of consensus in leadership selection.

While Oli also told journalists that he is trying for consensus, he has clearly indicated that he is not ready to give up for Khanal. Sources say he is ready to settle for General Secretary if Nepal is chosen Chairman by consensus only.

Nepal has shown his interest to become the Chairman, but he is not interested to contest in election. He told journalists that he would move with the flow of time.

Nepal and Oli camps are expected to come up with a final strategy by Thursday.

Factionalism had affected the selection of leaders of discussion groups in the closed door session on Wednesday. Out of 20 group leaders, 11 are from Oli faction, seven from Khanal faction and two are neutral.

It has not been decided whether the leadership will be chosen from the general convention or by the central committee.

Reports say that the supporters of Nepal and Oli have begun distributing pamphlets against Khanal at the convention center criticising the political report presented by Khanal. His political report has already been challenged by five more supplementary reports. nepalnews.com ta Feb 19 09