KATHMANDU: CPN-UML leader and National Assembly candidate from Bagmati Province from the opposition parties’ alliance Dr. Khimlal Devkota has said that there will be no reconsideration on his candidacy for the post of a lawmaker in the National Assembly.

Stating that well-wishers and voters are inquiring about his candidature after the latest political development of May 13, Devkota has clarified that he has no intention of withdrawing the candidacy.

“Political parties should follow policies, methods and procedures,” he said in a statement on Friday, adding, “However, with the support of other parties, including the NC, Maoist Center and the Janata Samajwadi Party, it is unthinkable for me to reconsider my candidacy.”

Formerly distancing from each other, the rival factions of CPN-UML led by party Chairman and Prime Minister KP Oli and senior leader and former Prime Minister Madhav Kumar Nepal seem inching closer after May 13.

Devkota a candidate close to  UML Nepal-Khanal faction was backed by the opposition party alliance comprising of main opposition Nepali Congress, CPN-Maoist Center and Janata Samajbadi Party’s Yadav-Bhattarai faction.

UML has proposed former Maoist leader and Home Minister Ram Bahadur ‘Badal’ as its candidate for the post.

The post had gone vacant after Minister Thapa faced action from Maoist Center for deserting the party.