Kathmandu, June 26
Former Prime Minister Jhala Nath Khanal has agreed to support General Secretary Ghanashyam Bhusal for the new leadership of the CPN Unified Socialist Party.
Khanal had previously publicly declared his own candidacy for the party presidency. However, on Wednesday morning, he agreed to endorse Bhusal for the position during a meeting at his residence in Dallu.
“Ghanashyam Bhusal will now advance as the new leader of the Unified Socialist Party with the support of Jhala Nath Khanal,” said leader Naresh Shahi, who participated in the discussions.
According to the agreement, Bhusal will be the party’s presidential candidate at the 10th National Convention, set to begin in Kathmandu on June 30. “There was some tension as both were claiming the presidency, but ultimately, it was agreed that Ghanashyam Bhusal will advance as Jhala Nath Khanal’s successor,” said a source close to Khanal.
The source also noted that Bhusal has committed to advancing as Khanal’s successor. Khanal and Bhusal have maintained a close relationship within the Unified Socialist Party, formed in September 2021, and previously within the CPN-UML.
However, both leaders had been vying for the presidency at the upcoming 10th National Convention of the Unified Socialist Party. Both have significant support within the party, creating pressure for them to come to an agreement.
“After extensive discussions, we have reached a conclusion. We will also talk with Madhav Nepal. We aim to make Ghanashyam Bhusal the unanimous president if possible,” said an official. “We are trying to send a message of new leadership consensus from this convention.”
Despite this, Chairman Madhav Kumar Nepal is still striving to retain his leadership position. He is preparing to remain in leadership, even if it means contesting in an election.
The convention, set to begin in four days, will see the participation of 1,800 delegates who will select the new leadership.
