Kathmandu, Dec. 3 -- As the CPN-UML gears up for its 11th National General Convention from December 13 to 15, the party has completed delegate selection across the country-some through consensus, others through fiercely contested internal elections.

This time, the results tell a striking story: several "heavyweight" leaders have faced unexpected defeats.

In Bagmati Province, Minister for Labour, Employment and Transport Jayaram Thapa failed to secure a spot. Contesting from Kathmandu Constituency 4 under the open category, Thapa finished third with 201 votes. Shreekrishna Shrestha (241 votes) and Uddhav Kharel (212 votes), the former Budhanilkantha Municipality mayor, clinched the two open seats. Thapa, known to be close to party chair ...