NC’s Row over Special Convention Complicates

The Nepali Congress Work Execution Committee has postponed the 15th general convention of the party until after the March 5 election, ignoring the push by the two general secretaries for a special general convention in mid-January.

Riding on majority, the committee meeting on Friday dismissed the claim of General Secretaries Gagan Thapa and Biswo Prakash Sharma who said they had the backing of over 50% of Mahasamiti members for the constitutional provision.

While leaders and cadres fear a possible split in the party, analysts warn that this could affect the country’s political course post-GenZ movement.

Thapa and Sharma, representing the second generation in the party, had demanded a special general convention which according to party statute would mature 90 days from January 12.

The inception side, led by acting party president Purna Bahadur Khadka, extended its term and revised the pre-scheduled date of January 10–12 to May 11–14.

The inception side dismissed the claims and went ahead with the majority in the Work Execution Committee while five leaders presented a note of dissent.

Under party statute, a special general convention can be called if more than 40% of Mahasamiti members submit a written demand.

Analysts say the debate in the party, arguably the largest in the country, could affect the political course of the country including the upcoming March 5 election.

Despite the debate, most Congress leaders remain hopeful that the party will stay intact, especially at a time when the GenZ protest has set a different political tone in the country.

Whether the party heads toward a real crash course or the dissidents revolt remains to be seen but the debate is expected to influence Nepali politics and the March 5 election.