Nepali Congress Leader Pushes for New Generation PM

Nepali Congress general secretary Bishwa Prakash Sharma urged party president Sher Bahadur Deuba to step aside and allow a new generation to lead. Deuba, a five-time prime minister, rejected the proposal, insisting any contender must defeat him in a parliamentary election. A seven-point agreement with PM K P Sharma Oli stipulates rotating leadership.

Nepali Congress general secretary Bishwa Prakash Sharma on Sunday urged party president Sher Bahadur Deuba to relinquish his ambitions for another term as prime minister, advocating for a new generation leader instead. However, the veteran 78-year-old leader, who has held the office five times, rejected Sharma's proposition.

Deuba is perceived as the prime minister-in-waiting beside current Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli of the CPN-UML. The two leaders had agreed on a seven-point pact months ago to share the prime ministerial role in turns under a coalition deal.

During a recent public event, Oli announced his intention to resign after one year and ten months. At a central committee meeting, Sharma reiterated his call for Deuba to step aside, highlighting several capable party members who could serve as new leaders in government. Deuba, however, stood firm, stating that any aspirant must challenge him in a party election.

(With inputs from agencies.)