As the country’s political deadlock continues, Nepali Congress is heading for its forthcoming convention with three leaders aspiring for the post of party president. With the three top leaders announcing their candidacy, the elections are likely to be fierce.

Nepali Congress president Sushil Koirala has announced that he will contest the elections for president again. Koirala’s long time mate Ram Chandra Poudel has already announced that this is his time and he is expecting that Koirala will support him.

At a time when three senior leaders who have been at the helm of power following death of GP Koirala, a group led by former general secretary K.B Gurung, former associate General Secretary Govinda Raj Joshi and Binaya Dhoj Chand are also contesting for the leadership with slogan to revive Nepali Congress glory.

Harping B.P. Koirala’s ideology, Gurung’s group support will be vital for any group which is seeking the leadership. Gurung hold the view that Sushil Koirala surrendered power to communist and Sher Bahadur Deuba handed over power to King claiming that only his group can revive glory of Nepali Congress.

As a lonely leader contesting all the elections, former prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has also announced his candidacy. Although young leaders are pressing the need for young leadership in the party, they are yet to challenge the top leadership in the elections.

Among others, Sujata Koirala, daughter of Girija Prasad Koirala, is also willing to contest the elections for the top slot. Similarly, general secretary Prakash Man Singh and Krishna Prasad Sitaula are also eyeing for the top posts. From Koirala family, Dr. Shekhar Koirala and Dr. Shasanka Koirala will also contest the elections.

Among the first generation veteran leaders, Khum Bahadur Khadka, and Arjun Narshing KC are also campaigning for party positions. As these three have yet to announce their candidacies, youth leader Gagan Thapa has already announced his candidacy for party general secretary.  From Madhesh, Bimalendra Nidhi will contest for the major position.

The final contest, however, is likely to be between Sushil Koirala and Sher Bahadur Deuba. As this is the last leg for both of them, they will go to contest vehemently.