Post-merger of UML-Maoist, Vishnu Paudel was thought to be the second-generation successor. Paudel was awarded for his tireless efforts to bring Maoists at the same table. He was thought to be close to both KP Oli and Prachanda. At the time Iswar Pokhrel and Shankar Pokhrel were at the back seat. However, post the demerger of both the parties Paudel’s expediency was done as well.
Then came the rise of Shankar Pokhrel, questioning the relevance of Maoist and other small parties. He said “Maoist is irrelevant now, they are just an ally of Nepali Congress, country should now go for two party system with UML and Congress.”
Questioning the Maoists, Pokhrel has been defeated by a Maoist candidate Rekha Sharma by a mere 117 votes.
