KATHMANDU: Former Minister and influencing leader of CPN-Maoist Center Barshaman Pun, a strong contender for the post of secretary general, is most likely to be deprived of taking part in the party’s national conference taking place in Kathmandu from Sunday.

According to Maoist Center sources, leader Pun will not be able to attend the much-discussed national conference of Maoist Center due to his poor health.

He is undergoing treatment in China.

Pun, who was flown to China by air ambulance after treatment was not possible in Thailand, is undergoing additional treatment from Friday.

He is regarded as a strong contender for the post of General Secretary, a post another leader Janardan Sharma has been vying for.

According to sources, Pun also had telephone contact with Chairman Prachanda of late and Prachanda has assured that there will be no decision affecting his politics in  (his) Pun’s absence.