Kathmandu, March 5
Former Prime Minister and Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba has been elected the party’s leader in Parliament.
According to the party, while Deuba secured 44 votes, his challenger Prakash Man Singh secured 19 votes. Following the victory, Deuba will also become the main opposition leader in Parliament.
A three-way contest between Deuba, Singh and General Secretary Shashank Koirala was expected for the post ahead of the elections. But Koirala did not file his candidacy for the post as he said he wanted to become a consensus candidate and not contest elections. Singh has been accusing Deuba of failing to lead the party effectively and not allowing a new generation of leaders to take charge. Deuba has also been accused of failing to lead the party during the elections.
Analysts say that the post of Parliamentary Leader is akin to that of the ‘shadow Prime Minister’ and it gives an indication as to who the party will turn to for leadership when it comes to power.
Deuba’s victory indicates that despite a campaign launched by a group of party leaders, Deuba still maintains his grip on the Nepali Congress and members of the once powerful Koirala family are on the back foot.
