Kathmandu: After Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba announced his candidature for the upcoming 14th General Convention, non-establishment groups have started trying to find a common candidate who can defeat Deuba.

On Friday, for the first time, the aspirants for the chairmanship in the non-establishment group are sitting at the same table. During the discussion, senior leader Ram Chandra Poudel, General Secretary Dr. Shashank Koirala, former general secretary Prakash Man Singh and Krishna Prasad Sitaula, central member Dr. Shekhar Koirala, Dr. Ram Sharan Mahat, Arjun Narasimha KC, Bal Bahadur KC and Sujata Koirala were present.

Among them, Dr. Mahat and KC have not claimed to be candidates for the post. The rest want to be themselves.

According to one participant, all of them have stressed on the need of uniting other groups for the change of party leadership. But the aspirants have maintained that they should be the candidates. “Everyone insisted that the leadership should be selected by consensus, but all the aspirants came forward saying that I am the only winning candidate, I am the strongest,” said a leader who attended the meeting.

Senior leader Ram Chandra Poudel claimed, “This is the last chance for me in the Congress.” I want to make the Congress strong and united once I become the party president. ‘

General secretary Dr. Shashank Koirala claimed that he was the only one who could defeat Deuba. Former General secretary Prakash Man Singh claims, I can take everyone together.

Krishna Sitaula, another aspirant for the post but did not announce his candidature this time, said that a decision should be taken at the last minute.

Dr. Shekhar Koirala said that an atmosphere has been created in his favor. “I have come a long way, I have a lot of leaders and workers. There is a good atmosphere in my favor. Let’s discuss how to form a team. I need the help of the leaders here, ‘he said.

Leader Sujata Koirala also presented her claim saying that it would be a matter of pride for the Congress to become a woman president.

Leader Arjun Narasingh KC, who has started efforts for unanimous leadership selection, said that one-on-one discussions should be held among the aspirants for leadership again.