While Jha has backed Ram Singh Yadav, Minister for Irrigation Mahaseth has supported Hari Narayan Mahato for the post of chairman.[break]
Party General Secretary Ishwar Pokharel and politburo member Pradip Gyawali, despite continued efforts, have failed to forge consensus between the two sides. UML leader Ram Prabodh Mahato informed that the leaders are likely to conduct a vote on Monday to elect the new leadership.
The fierce competition between the two rival factions and aggressive campaigning from both the sides has given the convention the semblance of a general election.
Though Janakpur Chamber of Commerce and Industry is the official venue for the convention, cadres from the Jha faction have gathered at Atithi Sadan and those from the Mahaseth faction are staying at Ananda Hotel.
State Minister for Local Development Shatrughan Mahato and the party´s alternative central member Shree Prasad Sah, among others, from the neighboring districts have gathered for the convention.
UML to hold district convention on January 7