Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba has stepped up internal discussions to settle the long-running debate over the party’s next general convention. With disagreements still visible inside the party, Deuba on Thursday invited several leaders close to him for consultations at his residence.
Acting President Purna Bahadur Khadka, a number of office-bearers, former office-bearers, and central committee members took part. After this session, Deuba also held separate conversations with General Secretaries Gagan Thapa and Biswaprakash Sharma to hear their views directly.
Debate Over Timing and Format of Convention Intensifies
Most leaders in Deuba’s camp believe the 15th General Convention should be held after the national election scheduled for Falgun 21, arguing that the party must concentrate its energy on election preparation. But a few from the same group think the convention should be conducted before the polls.
On the other side, General Secretaries Thapa and Sharma—along with leader Shekhar Koirala—want the convention held within Poush. They say that if a regular convention is not possible, the party must hold a special general convention, as demanded by 54 percent of the convention representatives who have already submitted signatures.
Deuba’s side accepts that the demand carries constitutional validity, but they are still examining what options remain with the election approaching. During the meeting, Deuba asked what the party should do with the special convention proposal if a regular convention cannot be held before the election.
Leaders Split on Approach but Agree Party Must Stay United
Former Vice President Bimlendra Nidhi said some leaders suggested extending the working committee’s tenure by six months to one year and conducting the convention after the election. The party statute allows an extension in special circumstances, but the 54 percent signature demand continues to weigh heavily on the leadership.
Leaders who want a Poush-month convention—Ramesh Lekhak, Vijay Kumar Gachchhadar, Umesh Shrestha, and others—argued that holding the convention now could help settle the dispute and remove the basis for the special convention demand.
Supporters of the special convention clarified that their position is not intended to divide the party but to ensure internal democratic procedures are respected. Meanwhile, Deuba’s side warns that a leadership change right before the election could create unnecessary friction and disrupt preparations.
Some leaders also expressed concern that holding the convention now could trigger disagreements within the party during the election period.
No Agreement Yet as Deadline Nears
The central committee meeting—postponed several times—is now scheduled to take place at 2 PM on Friday. Leaders said today’s talks ended without a conclusion. The current committee, elected from the 14th General Convention in Mangsir 2078, completes its four-year term on Mangsir 28, adding pressure to reach a decision soon.
As the deadline approaches, the Nepali Congress still faces a critical choice: whether to hold the convention before the election, after it, or through a special process.
