Efforts underway to make Gagan Thapa Nepali Congress president unopposed

KATHMANDU: Efforts are underway to make Gagan Kumar Thapa the unopposed president of the Nepali Congress at the party’s 15th General Convention.

After presidential candidate Kishor Singh Rathore withdrew his candidacy, the Thapa camp has reportedly continued discussions with Shyam Krishna Khadgi to persuade him to withdraw his candidacy as well.

Thapa, Khadgi and Rathore had registered their candidacies for the party presidency at the 15th General Convention. According to the Election Committee, three candidates had initially filed their nominations.

Rathore withdrew his candidacy on Wednesday, leaving Thapa and Khadgi in the race for the presidency.

A source close to the Nepali Congress said efforts are now underway to hold discussions with Khadgi and persuade him to withdraw his candidacy, which would pave the way for Thapa to be elected unopposed.

Earlier, Bishwo Prakash Sharma was elected unopposed as senior vice president and Pushpa Bhusal as women’s vice president at the 15th General Convention after they were the sole candidates for their respective posts.

The Nepali Congress created the new post of senior vice president at this General Convention, with Sharma the only candidate for the position.

The presidential election had initially been set to take place with three candidates in the fray. Following Rathore’s withdrawal, efforts are now focused on reaching an agreement with Khadgi.