KATHMANDU: The internal rift within the Nepali Congress has deepened after leaders failed to reach an agreement on the date for the party’s 15th General Convention.
The ongoing tug-of-war between the establishment and dissident factions has paralyzed the Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting, while young leaders have begun locking the party office to press their demands.
The CWC meeting, which began on October 14, has been repeatedly postponed. Sunday’s meeting was again deferred to Tuesday due to the absence of General Secretary Gagan Thapa. Acting President Purna Bahadur Khadka held a series of meetings with senior leaders to seek consensus, but no conclusion was reached.
The establishment faction argues that holding the General Convention before the upcoming general elections is not feasible, proposing to postpone it until after March 5.
In contrast, Gagan Thapa and Bishwo Prakash Sharma insist that the convention, either regular or special, must be held within December (Mangsir).
On October 15, supporters of a special convention submitted a signature campaign to the party’s central office, warning against attempts to delay the process. Former leaders of the Nepal Students’ Union and other youth figures have also demanded at least 40 percent youth representation within the party.
The dispute now appears to go beyond the date itself, revealing deeper ideological and leadership differences. The establishment faction claims the country’s political crisis must be prioritized before the party convention, while the opposing faction argues that postponing internal elections contradicts democratic values.
Thapa has proposed December 13–15 for the convention, while Sharma has suggested December 31- January 3. Following the Gen Z Movement of September 8–9, both Thapa and Sharma have been pressing for new leadership to replace the current team. Party President Sher Bahadur Deuba and his wife, who were injured during the protest, are currently in Bangkok for medical treatment. Deuba had delegated his responsibilities to Vice President Khadka before leaving.
With the Central Committee dominated by the establishment faction, it aims to push all decisions through the committee, whereas the rival faction wants the date finalized before further discussions.
“Our Central Committee is the supreme decision-making body. It must function, not be boycotted,” said party spokesperson and establishment leader Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat, criticizing the rival group’s absence from meetings.
The deadlock over the convention timeline continues, with Friday’s Central Committee meeting also boycotted by General Secretary Thapa.
Comment