The Nepali Congress leadership has intensified internal discussions as the dispute over the timing of the party’s upcoming general convention remains unresolved. Party President Sher Bahadur Deuba is holding another round of talks today with Acting President Purna Bahadur Khadka and General Secretaries Gagan Thapa and Bishwa Prakash Sharma.
The four leaders also met on Thursday evening for extensive discussions. They are scheduled to reconvene at 1 PM on Friday, continuing the dialogue agreed upon earlier. With the general convention schedule still undecided and internal divisions widening, Deuba has invited several senior figures to join the consultation.
Former Vice President Bimalendra Nidhi, Krishna Prasad Sitaula, Prakash Man Singh and other senior leaders have been called to the meeting, according to party insiders. “The party president has called us; I am heading to his residence,” Nidhi confirmed to .
Disagreement Over Timing of the General Convention
A debate has emerged within the party over whether the general convention should be held before or after the national elections scheduled for Falgun 21. Thapa–Sharma camp: They argue that if a regular general convention cannot be held within Poush, the party must call a special general convention as required by the statute.
Leaders aligned with Deuba: Some office-bearers and former office-bearers prefer holding the general convention only by Baisakh, citing political circumstances. On Kartik 18, two separate proposals were submitted to the central committee: one by General Secretary Thapa proposing to hold the 15th general convention from Poush 16 to 19, and another by Joint General Secretary Mahendra Yadav suggesting Baisakh-end as the suitable timeframe. Acting President Khadka described both proposals as personal submissions.
Leadership Efforts to Reach Consensus
The central committee meeting that began on Asoj 28 has been repeatedly postponed due to the lack of agreement on the convention timetable. Acting President Khadka has stated that the meeting will continue to be deferred until consensus is reached.
President Deuba has also increased formal and informal engagements with senior leaders to resolve the long-standing dispute and finalize a convention date acceptable to the party.
Pressure Mounts for a Special General Convention
On Asoj 29, 54 percent of elected general convention representatives submitted a signed memorandum demanding a special general convention. According to the party statute, the leadership must convene a special convention within three months—by Poush 29—when such a demand is formally registered.
Leaders advocating for a special convention say the demand can be addressed only if the regular general convention is held immediately. Otherwise, they insist the party must call a special convention by Poush 28 without extending the current committee’s tenure.
With internal positions hardening and the dispute widening, the general convention issue has become one of the most contentious challenges facing the Nepali Congress. The outcome of today’s high-level dialogue is being closely watched inside and outside the party.
