Thousands of UML cadres and supporters have thronged the Butwal Mandap, the convention venue spread across 57,281 square meters.Prime Minister and Maoist Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal arrived in a helicopter around noon on Monday, while Nepali Congress President Girija Prasad Koirala arrived on Sunday. Other party leaders, including Madhesi People’s Rights Forum (MPRF) leader Upendra Yadav, Rastriya Janashakti Party leader Surya Bahadur Thapa, Tarai-Madhes Democratic Party leader Hridayesh Tripathi and Sadbhavana Party leader Rajendra Mahato, among others, have also arrived in the convention venue, which is guarded by about 2000 “People’s Volunteers” of CPN-UML and hundreds of police personnel. All those entering the main dais are screened through x-ray machines.
About 40 guests from 14 countries have also arrived in the town via Bhairahawa airport.
Earlier in the day, unveiling the “Republic Memorial” constructed at the convention venue by UML workers at a cost of around Rs 500,000, UML General Secretary Jhala Nath Khanal said change for Nepal is possible. The theme of the memorial, to be gifted to the people of Butwal, is “Transformation is Possible”.
Khanal said the UML should have the right ideology, policies and programs and implement these with deep conviction. “This memorial gives the message that the UML is a party that embraces change at all times,” said Khanal. “This memorial encourages change and shows the path for same.”
Tilak Pokharel
Though all three likely contenders for the top party post of party chairman are in the town, only two of these are visible so far. While Khanal and former UML chief Madhav Kumar Nepal have been spotted here and there, another contender, who has the identity of being the vocal critic of the ruling Maoists, KP Sharma Oli, is nowhere to be seen. While Khanal and Nepal are living in a local hotel, Oli is living at the house of party cadre Raj Kumar Shrestha.
