By Our Reporter
Although it is still uncertain whether the Nepali Congress will hold its rescheduled general convention in February next year, several leaders have already announced or shown interest to contest election for the top post in the party.
The contest is likely to be between the two factions—establishment led by party president Sher Bahadur Deuba and rival led by Ram Chandra Paudel, but within the factions, more than one leaders are willing to fight for the top party post.
When in Deuba camp, Deuba himself and Bimlendra Nidhi are potential candidates and in the rival factions at least six leaders are willing to join the fray.
When Paudel wants to contest for the top post in the party, he is challenged by general secretary Dr. Sashank Koirala, Dr. Shekhar Koirala, Prakash Man Singh and Arjun Narasingh KC. Krishna Sitaula and Gagan Thapa are the other two potential candidates.
Although Dr Shasank Koirala recently hinted that he could back Dr Shekhar if the latter became a consensus candidate, it is not likely to happen as Paudel will claim for the post.
As such, Duba may likely support Dr Shasanka in the condition that he should support Dr Arzoo Rana in the post of party general secretary.
If Deuba really backs Sashanka, it will create a division in the rival faction. But if Dr Shekhar files his candidate by backing Gagan for the post of general secretary, no one can defeat the alliance of Dr Shekhar and Gagan.
However, it is not likely for Deuba to back Sashanka by betraying Nidhi and other leaders.
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