UML Lumbini convention: Election preparations begin against Oli’s directive

RUPANDEHI: Aspirants are making preparations for the new leadership in the CPN-UML’s ongoing convention in Butwal against party Chairman KP Sharma Oli’s direction.

Both the groups have started preparations for the election claiming that the chances of consensus are slim.

Radha Krishna Kandel of Palpa and Hari Rijal of Pyuthan have been claiming for the post of chairmanship.

Kandel is the chairman of the Province Committee formed a year ago and Rijal is a former province minister and a central member.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony and closing session on Sunday morning, Oli urged leaders to pick the leadership in consensus.

Rijal has the support of leaders close to party General Secretary Shankar Pokharel and provincial lawmakers Chet Narayan Acharya, Bhumishwor Dhakal and Shivaraj Subedi.

Saying that he has worked in the ad hoc committee for one year, Kandel said that he should be allowed to work for one term.

Though both have expressed their reluctance to backtrack from their stance, leaders are trying to find consensus.

In the 205-provincial committee, 186 district-wise representatives will be elected from 12 districts, one under disabled category, three from labourers and 15 under open category. All together 205 representatives will be selected from the election.

There will be five office bearers. According to which, all the 12 district committees have been holding separate meetings to send names.

There will be the election for the office bearers as well if the consensus could not be forged in the names to be sent from the district.