Kathmandu, February 26

The establishment faction of the Nepali Congress is preparing to field Acting President Ramchandra Paudel for party president and Shashank Koirala for the post of general secretary.

However, many top leaders of the establishment, including general secretary duo Prakash Man Singh and Krishna Sitaula, have expressed dissatisfaction over the understanding reached among a group of leaders.

Talking to THT, general secretary Prakash Man Singh said the leaders were in hectic consultations but were yet to finalise candidates.

He said it may take a day or two to finalise candidates for the top positions of the party. Both Singh and Sitaula have staked claim to the post of party president.

Sources claimed that during the meeting of establishment faction held at the residence of Ram Saran Mahat yesterday and today, leaders have been trying to persuade the two general secretaries, especially Sitaula, to accept the decision, but to no avail.

Leaders close to Sitaula said it was not justifiable on the part of major leaders to try to persuade someone only after taking a decision. Sitaula was invited to the meeting only after a group of leaders reached a tentative understanding on candidates for various positions of the party.

Since another faction led by senior leader Sher Bahadur Deuba has emerged stronger this time around, Deuba could take advantage of division in the camp if Sitaula decides to fight contest for the top position of the party.

Arjun Narsingh KC, who recently joined the Deuba faction, is preparing to contest for the post of general secretary after Deuba’s attempt to convince Shashank Koirala to form a joint panel failed.

Sources close to Ramchandra Paudel claimed that Shekhar Koirala was positive about fielding Shashank Koirala for the post of general secretary and Paudel was trying to woo Sitaula not to contest against him.

Since Deuba faction refused to increase the number of office bearers, Paudel faction is having a difficult time to adjust leaders in the camp.

Meanwhile, Leader Pradip Poudel expressed his concern about the party’s focus only on electing leadership.

He said the party should have held discussions on ideological issues simultaneously.