KATHMANDU: Internal disputes within the Nepali Congress have further intensified after the party failed to hold its regular 15th general convention on time. Convention representatives demanding a special general convention have issued a joint statement, sharply questioning the role of the Central Working Committee.
In the statement issued on behalf of convention representatives advocating for a special convention, the party leadership has been accused of violating the party statute, weakening democratic processes and creating growing uncertainty within the organization.
On October 15, a total of 2,488 convention representatives had formally registered an application, along with signatures, demanding a special general convention. According to Clause 17(2) of the party statute, the Central Working Committee is required to address demands raised by more than 40 percent of convention representatives. The signatories claim that 54 percent of representatives have supported the demand, yet the committee has remained silent.
Supporters of the special convention argue that if the regular general convention is not held by the end of December, a special convention becomes mandatory. With no realistic prospect of holding the regular convention even by the end of January, they now see the special convention as the only viable option.
Earlier, Congress General Secretaries Gagan Thapa and Bishwa Prakash Sharma issued a joint statement on January 1, announcing the suspension of the regular general convention schedule. “As conditions no longer allow for the completion of the regular general convention, a special general convention has emerged as the only alternative,” the statement said.
Reports that Bhrikutimandap Hall had been booked for January 11 and 12 further fueled speculation that preparations for a special convention were moving forward.
In their statement, proponents of the special convention accused the Central Working Committee of deliberately prolonging meetings, delaying the convention process unnecessarily, failing to resolve disputes related to active membership distribution, and damaging the party’s democratic image.
They argued that a special convention is essential to unite the party with new leadership and policies ahead of the general elections scheduled for March 5. “The responsible bodies of the party must respect the spirit of the statute and the sentiments of convention representatives and immediately call a special general convention,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, leaders close to party President Sher Bahadur Deuba have opposed the move, warning that a special convention could risk splitting the party. The establishment faction appears inclined to postpone the regular convention until after the elections.
General Secretary Thapa, however, has said via social media that the party is moving toward calling a special general convention by the end of Poush.
Political analysts warn that the ongoing dispute has weakened the party’s organizational unity and could adversely affect its performance in the upcoming elections. They caution that ignoring the demand for a special convention may trigger further internal rebellion.
The issue is expected to be raised in the meeting of the Central Executive Committee, though reaching a consensus appears difficult. The prolonged infighting has also raised questions about the credibility of the Nepali Congress as the country’s main opposition party. Whether a special general convention will be held remains uncertain, with clarity likely to emerge only in the coming days.
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