Kathmandu, Nov. 11 -- UML Chairman KP Sharma Oli's decision to bar former President Bidya Devi Bhandari from rejoining the party, the disgruntled faction is planning to field senior vice-chair Ishwar Pokhrel against Oli in the upcoming general convention.

As the party gears up for its 11th general convention, to be held in Kathmandu on December 13-15, party insiders reveal that the rival group has made up their mind to support Pokhrel for the top job.

While Oli has the legal grounds to seek a third term, internal dynamics and shifting allegiances in the party indicate a likely competition between Oli and Pokhrel.

Oli, who until a few months ago appeared uncontested, has been under pressure mainly in the wake of September's Gen Z uprisi...