KATHMANDU: Nepali Congress (NC) leaders have begun discussion to seek consensus on a common candidate for the party presidency in the upcoming 14^th general convention in an effort to challenge the candidatures from the establishment faction and narrow down the number of aspirants for the leadership post.

Leaders who announced their candidacies such as senior NC leader Ram Chandra Poudel, Dr. Shashank Koirala, Prakash Man Singh, Dr. Shekhar Koirala, Sujata Koirala, Dr. Ram Sharan Mahat and Arjun Narsingh KC, among others, are engaged in discussions at Battisputali, in Kathmandu, Monday. All of these leaders represent the non-establishment side of the NC seeking option against President Deuba.

From the establishment side, incumbent NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba and Vice President Bimalendra Nidhi announced their candidacies earlier.

“Leaders are in discussions since 9:30 am to select a common candidate to challenge candidates from the establishment side,” said Chiranjivi Adhikari, personal secretary to leader Poudel. Discussions have been held on the agenda of a common candidate in the past as well.

Adhikari informed that leaders from Nepal Trade Union Congress were also at the meeting.