KATHMANDU: The Nepali Congress (NC) has decided to hold its 15th General Convention in Kathmandu from January 10 to 12 after nearly six weeks of internal negotiations. While the party has announced the schedule as a regular convention, disputes related to the earlier proposal of a special convention remain unresolved.
Following the publication of the schedule, party President Sher Bahadur Deuba held a meeting with Vice-President Purna Bahadur Khadka. According to Khadka’s secretariat, Deuba assured full support in the upcoming convention.
“President Deuba has pledged to help Khadka move forward in the General Convention,” a member of Khadka’s team said.
Sources said Deuba’s spouse, Dr. Arzu Rana, later joined the meeting as well. “The two leaders held a long discussion at the President’s residence. Deuba asked Khadka to be ready for the leadership contest. It is almost clear that Deuba’s candidate for party president will be Khadka,” the source added.
Deuba seen preparing Khadka as successor
Although leadership alignments within the NC usually remain unpredictable until the eve of the convention, Deuba is increasingly seen positioning Khadka as his successor.
Khadka served as one of Deuba’s strongest allies during the 14th General Convention in 2021, where he secured the top priority among the two vice-presidents, ahead of Dhanraj Gurung.
Khadka has now begun consultations with leaders and party workers regarding his candidacy. On Tuesday, he met senior leaders including Krishna Prasad Sitaula and spokesperson Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat.
According to insiders, Deuba has urged senior figures like Sitaula, Bimalendra Nidhi, and Prakash Man Singh to cooperate in rallying behind Khadka. “Unless there is a major political shift, Deuba appears determined to push Khadka forward,” a party insider said.
NC leader Mahalaxmi Dina Upadhyay also indicated that new leadership from within the current office-bearer ranks is likely to emerge in the 15th General Convention. She noted that Khadka could become the next party president.
Seven former office-bearers preparing separate bid
Meanwhile, seven senior NC leaders, Bimalendra Nidhi, Krishna Prasad Sitaula, Prakash Man Singh, Bijay Gachhadar, Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat, Dr. Shashank Koirala, and Gopalman Shrestha, are holding separate internal consultations for a possible presidential bid.
However, none of them have formally conveyed their interest to Deuba.
Earlier, on December 2, the group held discussions with around 75 establishment-aligned central members, who reportedly suggested that the next president should come from among the seven former office-bearers.
But with Deuba now working to consolidate support for Khadka, party insiders believe the establishment panel could be finalized within this month.
Sitaula, Koirala, and other contenders weigh options
Sitaula said discussions among leaders are ongoing, and it may take a week to reach a conclusion. He is still considered a potential presidential aspirant.
Meanwhile, Dr. Shashank Koirala announced on Tuesday in Chitwan that he is preparing to contest for party president, though he may also support Dr. Shekhar Koirala, whom he had previously disappointed during the 14th Convention.
In the establishment camp, leader Bimalendra Nidhi has stated that he will contest the presidency if consensus fails.
No decisions on other positions yet
According to Deuba’s close aides, discussions have so far focused solely on the party presidency. “Apart from the presidential race, no other positions have been discussed. Only Deuba and Khadka have held detailed talks,” a senior official said.
Leaders close to Sitaula, however, claim he remains in regular communication with Deuba.
In the anti-establishment camp, Dr. Shekhar Koirala and General Secretary Gagan Thapa have already announced their intention to run for party president.
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