While the establishment faction is in favor of Parliamentary Party (PP) leader Ram Chandra Poudel leading the new government, the Deuba faction has argued that their man be given the prime ministerial berth. [break]
A party central member close to Deuba said the proposal was floated as the party is facing two important events simultaneously -- government formation under party´s leadership and 12th general convention of the party. "But there has been no agreement on the matter yet," he said.
The Deuba faction maintains that since Deuba was recognized as second-in-command of the party when the NC (Democratic) was unified with the NC back in 2008. "This is why we have made a proposal either to give him the berth of prime minister or pave way for him to get party presidency," said another leader supporting Deuba.
Deuba has been making desperate effort to secure his position in the party especially after he was defeated by Poudel in the election for the post of PP leader in June 2009.
Deuba fears that he will be virtually sidelined with no active role in the party with the possibility of Poudel and Acting President Sushil Koirala making an alliance to defeat him in the battle for party presidency in the general convention scheduled for August.
The proposal from the Deuba faction, however, has not impressed the establishment faction much as it wants to see Poudel as prime minister and Koirala taking the helm of the party.
A senior leader supporting the establishment faction argued that the proposal from the Deuba faction called a ´nonsense idea´. "Why would not Deuba choose to fight for the posts other than party president?" asked the leader. "We will not bar him from even fighting for the party president´s post."
Leaders supporting the establishment faction argue that it´s time for Deuba to demonstrate his magnanimity.
"Deuba has to give Poudel an opportunity as he has already led the government three times," said a leader. "This will create an environment within the party to support Deuba as prime minister when there comes another chance for the party to lead the government."
koshraj@myrepublica.com
Related story
NC’s Poudel faction faces difficulty to choose a common candida...
