Debate inside the Nepali Congress over the timing of its next general convention has grown sharper, with senior leader Shekhar Koirala again urging that the party complete the convention within Poush.
He warned that delaying the 15th General Convention could weaken the party’s momentum. Some leaders have floated the idea of moving the event to Baisakh, a proposal Koirala says would only create further complications.
Koirala Reaffirms Call to Hold the Convention Within Poush
Koirala noted that party leaders have begun interpreting the idea of a “regular general convention” differently, leading to confusion over the appropriate schedule. He maintained that his view has been consistent from the beginning—that the convention should be held on time.
He added that if the party cannot finish the convention by the end of Poush, shifting toward a special general convention would be the only reasonable option. Addressing more than 40 youths at his Vishalnagar contact office, he said: “Holding the general convention within Poush will reduce disputes. If that does not happen, we should consider the option of a special general convention.”
The debate intensified after 54 percent of general convention representatives submitted signatures on Asoj 29 demanding a special general convention. Koirala warned that verifying those signatures could push the party toward division. He argued that if the Congress must pursue a special convention, the decision should come unanimously from the Central Working Committee, not through a majority vote, to avoid internal rifts.
Central Committee Meeting Delayed as Discussions Continue
Although leaders have already shared their views, the Central Working Committee has yet to reach a consensus on when to hold the convention. The meeting has now been postponed until 2 PM on Mangsir 4.
Party President Sher Bahadur Deuba, Acting President Purna Bahadur Khadka, and other senior leaders are holding informal discussions to address internal disagreements. Meanwhile, the group pushing for a special convention is preparing to launch pressure-oriented programs in the coming days.
Party Leaders Split Into Two Clear Positions
Shekhar Koirala, along with General Secretaries Gagan Thapa and Bishwaprakash Sharma, supports conducting the general convention before the election. In contrast, some office bearers and former office bearers aligned with President Deuba argue that a pre-election convention is impractical and prefer holding it in Baisakh.
Additionally, 25 Central Committee members close to Deuba have also expressed support for holding the convention before the election. With leaders and central members divided, the party has been unable to reach a unanimous decision
