KATHMANDU: With the 14th General Convention of the Nepali Congress (NC) just around the corner, as many as 12 top-notch leaders have expressed their interest for the party leadership.

There are as many as eight leaders in the Ram Chandra Poudel faction alone eying for the post of the President.

Similarly there are two claimants including Deuba in the President Sher Bahadur Deuba faction. Likewise, former general secretary Krishna Prasad Sitaula has also shown interest in the presidential election.

In a meeting called by Poudel faction Friday, eight leaders have staked claim for the post of the party President.

Senior NC leader Poudel himself, General Secretary Dr Shashanka Koirala, former General Secretary Prakash Man Singh, Dr Shekhar Koirala, Sujata Koirala, Arjun Narasingha KC and Dr Ram Sharan Mahat have claimed for the post of the President.

Similarly, youth leader Kalyan Gurung has also interest in the post of the President.

Likewise, aside from Deuba himself, Vice President Bimalendra Nidhi from the establishment has claimed for the post of the party leadership.

Similarly, based on their fathers’ contribution to the party, second rung leaders NC Vice President Nidhi, General Secretary Koirala and Prakash Man Singh are engaged in discussions so as to take the helm of the party as a successor.

The trio had held a meeting at Koirala’s residence in Maharajgunj on Friday.

“Our talks are heading towards positive direction. We will strike a deal in a few meetings,” said Nidhi.

Nidhi is the son of Mahendra Narayan Nidhi, Prakash Man is the son of Ganesh Man and Dr Koirala is the son of BP Koirala.