KATHMANDU: Nepali Congress (NC) Vice President Bimalendra Nidhi has said that he did not claim stake to the party presidency to defeat or retire anyone. He said his goal was to ensure a NC majority at all levels in the upcoming elections.
Nidhi publicly announced his candidacy for NC leadership by setting up a contact office at Baneshwor Banquet in Thapagaon, Kathmandu, on Friday.
On the ocassion, stating that about 35 percent of youths now held NC active membership, he said he wanted to encourage youths to lead the party ahead during his tenure if elected to the post.
Nidhi was close to incumbent President Sher Bahadur Deuba since his days in Nepal Students’ Union, and also supported Deuba in the 13th general convention. NC leaders close to Nidhi said Deuba had given his word to help Nidhi in the 14th General Convention. However, Deuba himself is preparing to contest for the presidency even in the 14th General Convention.
Friday’s inauguration of Nidhi’s contact office has made clear that Deuba will not be the only candidate from the NC establishment faction.
On other hand, there are about half dozen apsirants from the non-establishment side. However, the Poudel faction is trying to field a common candidate to challenge and defeat.
Now, the candidacy of Nidhi is likely to hinder Deuba’s bid.
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