Earlier, senior leaders of the party had dropped hints that underground leader Swadesh Bhattacharya, known as Raghuji during the underground period, was the natural choice. Being second-in-command after Vinod Mishra, he was virtually controlling all organisational affairs.

But a major section of the central committee members from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh preferred to bring in Dipankar Bhattacharya, the leader of the younger group.

The committee has 39 members, but due to the death of Nagbhusan Pattanaik, Vinod Mishra and another member, the number stands at 36.

Sources maintain that the party leaders were doing their best to come to a unanimous view on the selection of the new general secretary.

They added that the selection of the new generalsecretary was listed third on the agenda and the committee should be able to take a decision on the matter soon.

The main argument in favour of Dipankar Bhattacharya is that he fits naturally in the shoes of the former general secretary the late Vinod Mishra. At a time when the party needs an orator and a person who can lead the mass movement, Dipankar would be the perfect choice.

However, senior leaders in the party feel that Swadesh Bhattacharya would be a better choice, since he is the senior ost leader among them.