Nepali Congress set to pick new leadership at convention

Nepal's grand old party, Nepali Congress, is all set to pick its new leadership at the party's 13th general convention beginning here from Thursday, following the death of its president Sushil Koirala on February 9.

The Nepali Congress, the largest party in Nepal parliament, has been helmed by the Koiralas for decades ever since it was formed in 1947. However, this time over, none from the famous political clan of Nepal is in contention for the party president's post.

However, party founder late B.P. Koirala's son Dr Sashanka Koirala is angling for the secretary general's post.

The major opposition party is holding its 13th convention after a hiatus of five years.

Addressing the media on Wednesday, party vice president Ram Chandra Poudel said the new leadership will focus on the implementation of the new constitution, which has in the recent past led to unrest among the Madhesis in the Terai region.

Three separate panels are contesting for the party leadership this time. Poudel, who happens to be close to the Koiralas, is in contention for the party presidency.

Similarly, former prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba and secretary general Krishna Prasad Sitaula have also announced their candidacies for Nepali Congress presidentship.

Various politicians, representing their respective political parties, will also attend the convention, including Bihar Chief Minister and Janata Dal-United leader Nitish Kumar, apart from 3,188 convention representatives.

Meanwhile, a day ahead of the inauguration of the Nepali Congress general convention, many places in the valley and entry points to the national capital were decorated with NC flags and banners, featuring pictures of senior party leaders.

(Anil Giri can be contacted at girianil@gmail.com)