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UML leaders come close to consensus; agreement not disclosed

The three UML leaders who are vying for the top posts of CPN (UML) have said that they have almost reached a consensus on choosing the new party leadership.

After a three-hour meeting at Hotel New Era this afternoon, party leader KP Oli said he was 99% confident that a consensus would be reached. However, he refused to disclose the details of the agreement.

Erstwhile general secretary of the party Jhala Nath Khanal reiterated his desire for the powerful post and said he was positive that he would be given the 'heavy responsibility.'

Former general secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal, too, did not reveal anything about the agreement, although he said they had come close to consensus. Nepal has expressed his desire for the post of chairman, only if it can be by consensus.

Sources say there have been discussions about trimming the power of chairman to a ceremonial one to accommodate all three leaders. According to this option, Nepal would be the ceremonial chairman and the posts of vice-chairman and general secretary with more executive power would be divided between Oli and Khanal.

The three leaders are meeting in Hotel New Era in order to craft the consensus on the leadership Thursday evening. They are expected to reach an agreement this evening.

Meanwhile, group leaders have started presenting the delegates' suggestions after the completion of group discussions on the erstwhile general secretary's political paper, organisational paper, Amrit Bohara's statute amendment proposal and the supplementary papers.

Most of the groups have suggested for direct election of the central committee's key positions-chairman, vice-chairman, general secretary and secretary.

By the end of today's closed door session, six leaders including Khagaraj Adhikari and Rajan Bhattarai had presented suggestions of their groups.

Remaining leaders will present their suggestions after the resumption of the closed door session Friday morning.

The delegates criticised the party leadership for the ineffectiveness of the government and poor law and order situation. Some delegates even demanded the resignation of Home Minister and party leader Bam Dev Gautam. nepalnews.com ta Feb 19 09