Kathmandu — Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba is preparing to hold a crucial discussion with party general secretaries Gagan Thapa and Bishwo Prakash Sharma, along with a few senior leaders, ahead of today’s key meetings.
According to party insiders, Deuba plans to consult them before the Central Working Committee meeting at 11 a.m. and the Central Committee meeting at 1 p.m. at the party’s headquarters in Sanepa.
So far, the agenda for the Central Committee meeting remains undecided. The conversation between Deuba, Thapa, and Sharma is seen as significant because the three have not met since the GenZ protests of Bhadra 23–24, which turned violent outside Deuba’s residence.
Traditionally, the general secretaries prepare the agenda in coordination with the party president. But Gagan Thapa has already said publicly that he will not propose extending the current committee’s term, revealing growing differences within the leadership.
Debate Grows Over Mahadhiveshan Timing
A key dispute inside the party is whether to hold the regular Mahadhiveshan within Mangsir or to call a special convention instead. General secretaries Thapa and Sharma, supported by senior leader Shekhar Koirala, have pushed for completing the regular convention within Mangsir.
However, Deuba’s camp argues that there isn’t enough preparation and suggests holding it in Baisakh, after the elections. Meanwhile, Mahadhiveshan representatives have continued gathering signatures to demand a special convention if the regular one is delayed.
Leader Gururaj Ghimire, who has been leading the campaign, said around 54 percent of representatives have already signed the petition. He added that they plan to submit the signatures before the Central Committee meeting begins.
“The Central Committee agenda has not been finalized yet,” Ghimire said. “The president and general secretaries will probably agree on it today. Before the meeting starts, we’ll hand over the signatures demanding a Special Mahadhiveshan.”
Deuba’s Return to the Public Eye
Today’s gathering will also mark Sher Bahadur Deuba’s first public appearance since the GenZ protests, when demonstrators attacked his home. According to party publicity chief Min Bahadur Bishwakarma, the party president himself will chair the Central Committee meeting.
However, it still isn’t clear whether Deuba will continue leading the party or assign Vice President Purna Bahadur Khadka—or another senior leader—to act as temporary president in the days ahead.
