Butwal, February 21:

The delegates of the CPN-UML’s eight general convention were seen mounting pressure on the senior leaders to reach a compromise on party’s leadership throughout the day today.

But their efforts did not pay dividend as KP Sharma Oli and Jhala Nath Khanal filed their nominations for the post of chairman late this evening. Oli, who is upbeat of his victory, categorically refused to give up the race for Khanal, claiming that has the support of majority of the delegates. Former general secretary Madhav Kumar Nepal, however, decided not to contest after efforts to elect chairman unopposed failed.

Earlier, worried by the imminent division in the party, around 1,200 of the total 1,816 delegates, had put in their signatures calling for a consensus candidate for party leadership today. Likewise, about 200 delegates from Lumbini zone are believed to have decided not to lobby for or against any candidates after efforts to lead party chairman unopposed failed. Ramnath Dhakal, in-charge of Lumbini zone, said he would refrain from filing his nomination for central committee member.

Outside the convention venue Butwal Mandap, a group of UML youths was seen chanting slogans in favour of a consensus candidate. Security personnel were kept on high alert at the main entrance of the convention venue to ward off any untoward incidents.