KATHMANDU: A major dispute has erupted within the Nepali Congress (NC) between the establishment faction and the opposing camp.
The establishment faction, led by Acting President Purna Bahadur Khadka, is not in favor of holding the party’s regular general convention before the elections scheduled for March 5, 2026. However, the opposing faction insists that the general convention must take place before the polls. Due to this disagreement, the party’s election agenda has not yet been made public.
General Secretaries Gagan Thapa and Bishwaprakash Sharma have argued for transparency, saying that the agenda should be released publicly. After discussions with leader Dr. Shekhar Koirala, they are said to be carrying a draft agenda.
Meanwhile, central committee member Pradeep Paudel claims that Monday’s meeting of the Central Work Performance Committee will finalize and announce the election agenda.
On the other hand, party spokesperson Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat maintains that neither the agenda nor the general convention before elections are currently relevant. Acting President Khadka also remains opposed to holding the general convention prior to the polls.
In a conversation with Khabarhub, central member Paudel questioned what credibility and energy the Nepali Congress would have if it went to elections without first holding a regular general convention.
He argued that it was a mistake to delay the process even though NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba had already handed over responsibilities to Acting President Khadka. According to Poudel, failing to move forward with the general convention under these circumstances would be a serious misstep.
Below is an edited excerpt from Khabarhub’s interview with Pradeep Paudel:
The dispute between the two factions in the Nepali Congress seems to have drawn a clear line of division. Will the general convention be held before the election?
It has not been decided yet whether the general convention will be held. Discussions and consultations are ongoing, and we remain hopeful. The key issue is that some are saying the convention will not be held before the election, but we are working to ensure that it happens.
We are planning to organize it before the polls. If the general convention is postponed until after the election, a special general convention will become mandatory. Therefore, I believe it should be held beforehand to avoid that situation.
Why do you insist that the general convention should be held urgently?
Because we must adhere to the binding provisions of the party statute. The Nepali people want new leadership. The younger generation within the party also seeks leadership renewal, and that process can only take place through a general convention. Once the party’s term has expired, a general convention becomes mandatory.
We have missed opportunities for leadership transition and policy clarification. Elections are fought among the people — and people will only trust us if we address their expectations. If we go to the election without doing so, there will be no trust. That’s why I believe we must hold the general convention before the election.
If the general convention is not held soon, will it be difficult for the party to face the elections?
Without the general convention, how will we go to the people with credibility and enthusiasm? If we go with the same old faces, will the public vote for the Congress? Without renewed energy, people will not believe in us.
After the convention, we can instill confidence among voters. Without new energy, even party cadres will lose motivation. Especially now, with new parties emerging and offering fresh energy, we have to ask ourselves — what do we have to compete with that?
Why is there disagreement between the establishment and others regarding the timing of the general convention? Is the acting president inclined to hold it after the election?
It’s not that the Acting President disagrees. His role should be that of a bridge — facilitating and leading discussions impartially. He must remain neutral. However, some leaders argue that holding the general convention before the election could disrupt unity and harm electoral prospects. But the majority within the Congress believe that holding the convention beforehand would actually be beneficial. Everyone should understand this.
The general convention is not about fulfilling individual interests — it’s about upholding the party’s democratic principles. The Nepali Congress should focus on institutional integrity and the rule of law, not on personal agendas. We must listen to the sentiments of ordinary members and the public, not just the opinions of select groups.
Did President Sher Bahadur Deuba go for treatment after ordering not to hold the general convention before the election?
This issue remains the same as before. However, it is incorrect to say that the President appointed an acting president in order to hold the 15th General Convention within the regular timeframe — that was not the case. He delegated authority, but he did so while leaving many unresolved matters. He handed over responsibilities, but with several “knots” still tied.
Even though he paved the way, if we fail to move the process forward, that is our own fault. It is ironic that parties whose terms have not yet expired are announcing their conventions, while the Nepali Congress — whose term has already ended — has not done so. It is inappropriate to avoid holding the regular general convention once the term has expired.
Although no one has allowed us to make a final decision on this matter yet, we are continuing our efforts — and we will succeed.
Are some leaders trying to forcefully announce the election schedule?
There is no issue of anyone “forcing” or “not forcing” the process. What matters is what can or cannot be done within the party statute. We will decide according to the statutory provisions. There is no question of coercion; we will proceed strictly as per the legal framework.
How will the Nepali Congress move forward from here?
The agenda will be presented — it will come after Monday’s meeting.
What if it doesn’t?
There is consensus on approving the agenda. The only point of contention is whether the general convention should be held before or after the election.
In that case, will the general convention be held before the election?
We are making every effort to ensure it happens. We will not stop. If the Nepali Congress moves forward with unity, the general convention will indeed take place.
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