Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Nepali Congress leader and former minister Pradeep Paudel has announced his candidacy for the post of general secretary.
During an interaction with journalists on Thursday, Paudel said that although he had contested for the general secretary position at the party’s 14th general convention without success, he has formally decided to contest for the same post again at the 15th general convention.
When asked which faction he would represent within the party, Paudel said that although there is a practice in the party that the general secretary candidate comes from the group led by the party president, it is not certain which group he will choose. “But it will be a group with capable leadership that can bring renewal to the party in line with the country’s current situation and public sentiment,” he added.
Paudel also said the party should go to the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5 only after electing a new leadership from its upcoming 15th General Convention.
The NC is holding its 15th general convention in Kathmandu from January 10 to 12. Some leaders are saying that it will not be possible to hold the convention on those dates due to disputes over the distribution of active membership.
Paudel, however, said it is still possible to hold the general convention on time if only three out of the eight-tier internal elections are held. “The convention schedule is not very practical. Some adjustments on the schedule might be needed,” Paudel said. “But the general convention must be held before the general election.”
