KATHMANDU: CPN-UML leader Rajendra Pandey, who was earlier slated to vie for the party’s provincial parliamentary party leader in Province 3, did not submit his candidacy. Leader Pandey will now support Ashta Lakshmi Shakya.

Since the UML Party could not work out agreement on name for parliamentary party leaders, Shakya and Dor Mani Poudel filed candidacy for the same. Poudel is contesting from KP Sharma Oli faction while Shakya has been endorsed by Madhav Kumar Nepal faction.

The party’s central Vice-Chairperson Shakya and leader poudel are vying for the election being held at the Chyasal-based Tulsi Lal Memorial Foundation in Lalitpur from 12:00 pm today.

Earlier, Shakya and Pandey were seen as the top contenders for the parliamentary leaders. Leader Pandey was of view that the party Chairman KP Oli extended his support to him.

In a press meet on Thursday, Pandey had claimed that he would be the best candidate for the chief minister as he had already served as a lawmaker for four times. There was chance for Pandey to become Chief Minister of the Province as his party holds a majority in the Provincial Assembly.