Himalayan News Service

Kathmandu, May 28:

Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) president Pashupati Shumshere Rana is expected to emerge unscathed from the latest political moves initiated by his detractors in the party, with all likelihood of Rana taking recourse to dilatory tactics to abort the move to convene a general convention of the party. While a section of the party has given him the deadline of June 8 to announce the party’s general convention, Rana who enjoys majority in the central committee is expected to find a roundabout way by promising “definite discussion in due course.” The claim to this effect comes from a central leader who attended a meeting that was held last night at the residence of party senior leader Lokendra Bahadur Chand, but wanted to remain anonymous.

Looked at in this light the tea party scheduled for tomorrow could be an exercise at buying time and which incidentally shed light on political acumen of the RPP boss. The fact that Rana may outmanoeuvre the camp led by vice-chairman Padma Sundar Lawoti once again became evident from reports of Rana conferring with wily leader Chand last evening with the former suggesting the latter handle the issue in the “coolest manner possible.” Party sources claimed Chand advised Rana handle the issue “taking his own time” something which is being interpreted as a demonstration of his political skills. Given the preparation, Rana is likely to meet with disgruntled faction in informal sittings before there is a conclusive meeting on the issues raised by Lawoti camp. Meanwhile, Rana nominated Deepak Bohara and Govinda Khaniya as the party general secretary and assistant general secretary, respectively. Rana also nominated 14 zonal, eight department chiefs and six organisational chiefs today.