Some Nepali Congress veterans and youth leaders believe it is time for Party President Sher Bahadur Deuba to hand over the leadership to the new generation.

A few NC leaders demand executive positions, including the post of Parliamentary Party leader, should be gradually handed over to emerging leaders since Deuba seems keen to retain the post of PP.

Mainly rival faction within the party, led by Ram Chandra Poudel, senior leader Krishna Prasad Sitaula and youth leaders, is of the view that Deuba must be generous to handover the PP leader post to the new leader of party. They are of the view that as debates regarding leadership change are gaining ground, Deuba should gradually hand over the executive positions to new generation leaders.

NC leader Gagan Thapa said, “Some members hold the view that Deuba should not contest for PP leader’s post. He should gradually handover executive positions to new leaders. We expect that the selection of PP leader should mark a beginning of handing over the leadership to new generation.”

A NC youth leaders’ team recently launched a campaign to rebuild the party. They are putting pressure on party leadership to handover the leadership to new leaders.

Deuba supporters and second-rung leaders favour him of continuing as PP leader. The former prime minister is in no mood to give up the position, given his strong command in the 63-member party. 

Senior leader Prakash Man Singh has had talks with party’s lawmakers to secure their support and back him as PP leader. On Friday, Singh publicly said he will contest for the PP post.

Singh announced this ahead of the party’s first Parliamentary Party meeting after the completion of House of Representatives (HoR) and Provincial Assembly (PA) elections. The meeting takes place this Sunday morning. The Central Working Committee meeting will follow on the same day. 

The meeting of Parliamentary Party will decided the date for electing NC PP leader.

Speaking at a public event, Singh said he is fully capable and eligible to become the PP leader.

He criticised Deuba, stating he has failed to steer parliamentary affairs during the last five years as well as the party’s poor performances in the recently concluded general elections. He insists it is better to select PP leader by consensus.

Both Singh and Deuba want to become leader on the basis of consensus. Deuba has already started consultations to retain the position of PP leader.

As rivalry between Deuba and Singh increases, General Secretary Shashank Koirala said consensus could be forged under his name. Koirala believes President Deuba should forward his name as new PP leader on the basis of consensus.

The first meeting of HoR and National Assembly (NA) will be held March 5. The party will have to select PP leader before the meeting.  In the recently concluded elections of HoR, NC secured 63 seats in 275-member HoR.

Under First-Past-the-Post category, NC secured 23 seats. In PR category, it got 40 sets. Though Deuba is in minority among lawmakers elected under FPTP category, Deuba has maintained control in PR category. “If there is election, Deuba will almost win the election,” said a leader.