Kathmandu, January 3
The CPN-Maoist is preparing to announce the office bearers from the first meeting of the
Central Committee elected from the Eighth National General Convention.
There is no other leader challenging Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda. But the dilemma of who will be the next secretary general has not been resolved.
According to the leaders, Barshaman Pun and Janardan Sharma, who are considered strong
contenders for the post of General Secretary, have lost their chances. Stating that both the
leaders have factions at the bottom and one does not accept the other, Prachanda has
indicated that he may go for the third option. Apart from Pun and Sharma, Pampha Bhusal
claimed to be the general secretary.
At the end of the General Convention, Shakti Basnet’s name came to the fore. Earlier, when Pun and Sharma were handcuffed, Prachanda had made Basnet Home Minister in the KP Sharma Oli-led government in 2072 BS. Basnet’s rush was also seen during the selection of central members.
However, high-ranking Maoist sources claim that Dev Gurung is more likely to be the next
secretary general. ”Gurung ji is likely to be the general secretary as he is also a senior and a Janajati,” said one leader, ”but it is difficult to say now.”
By Karuna Thapa
