NC dissident faction forms 551-member committee for national convention

KATHMANDU: The dissident faction of the Nepali Congress has formed a 551-member National Convention Organising Committee under the coordination of Dr. Shashanka Koirala, as preparations gather pace for its planned national convention later this month.

The announcement was made during a press conference held at the faction’s contact office in Chundevi on Saturday. Alongside the main organising committee, the group has also constituted 16 subcommittees to oversee various aspects of the event, Koirala said.

According to Koirala, the national convention aims to strengthen the Nepali Congress ideologically, organisationally and at the policy level. He said discussions will focus on the party’s current state as well as key political, economic, social and religious-cultural issues facing the country, in addition to matters directly affecting citizens’ lives.

Koirala said the convention has become necessary after repeated efforts to maintain unity within the party failed to receive the expected response from the current leadership. He said the gathering seeks to address growing concern and frustration among party leaders, cadres, elected representatives and well-wishers.

Expressing concern over what he described as increasing challenges to the democratic Constitution, Koirala also warned of a rise in religious and communal tensions across the country. He urged the government to ensure proper treatment for those injured in recent incidents, including in Sunsari, and to provide compensation to the families of those who lost their lives.

The dissident faction also stressed that stronger unity within the Nepali Congress, along with consensus and cooperation among major political forces, is essential to maintaining political stability, social harmony and religious tolerance.

The faction had earlier decided to hold its national convention in Kathmandu from August 14 to 16. Central office-bearers and members elected at the party’s 14th General Convention, along with former central office-bearers and members, have been invited to participate.