BIMAL KHATIWADA

The Fifth National General Convention of the Nepal Trade Union Congress kicked off here on Sunday. This is the first time in 23 years the Nepali Congress-affiliated trade union is holding election for the top post after its President Laxman Basnet decided to hand over the authority.

Pushkar Acharya from the establishment faction and Khil Nath Dahal from the panel supported by senior leader Sher Bahadur Deuba are contesting for the top post. Both the candidates have put forth issues related to workers’ welfare in their election manifestoes.

“First, I will work to strengthen the organisation,” Acharya said. “Then I will advocate for workers’ interests and benefits,” Dahal said his candidacy represented the spirit of the entire mother party. “My mission is to work by obtaining the support of fellow workers,” he said.

Ajay Rai, president of Nepal Transport Workers’ Association, Morang, who has come to participate in the convention, expressed happiness over Basnet’s decision to hand over the presidency. “The new president should focus on making the organization proactive and strong,” he said.

A total of 1,600 representatives from 72 districts have come to participate in the general convention, which will have a closed session on Monday and an election on Tuesday.

Published on: 26 August 2013 | The Kathmandu Post