KATHMANDU: The Nepali Congress has completed preparations for its 15th general convention, which is scheduled to begin at Tundikhel’s Khula Manch on Sunday.
The convention will be inaugurated at 2 pm at the site where party founder and Nepal’s first elected prime minister BP Koirala delivered his first public address after returning from exile. Another party founder, Ganesh Man Singh, had also announced the success of the 2046 BS people’s movement from Tundikhel.
Party President Gagan Kumar Thapa will inaugurate the convention. Senior leaders of the Nepali Congress and leaders of major political parties are also scheduled to address the inaugural session.
Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, party spokesperson Devraj Chalise described the convention as a historic one, saying 44,000 young people from the new generation had assumed responsibilities through the convention process and more than 7,000 representatives selected by them would participate.
The convention is being held following the party’s second special general convention, which concluded on Magh 3, 2082 B. S.
For the first time, the convention will provide representation in the Central Working Committee to people below 35, democracy fighters, workers and professional groups, as well as Nepalis living abroad.
“Energetic Congress, New Commitment” has been adopted as the main slogan of the convention.
Chalise said the discussion sessions would focus extensively on the new commitments and prepare a framework for their implementation. He said the convention would select leadership based on its ability to implement those commitments, with the overall process focused on establishing rules and procedures within the party.
He said the Nepali Congress, which has played a significant role in Nepal’s political history, now seeks to create a new chapter by connecting BP Koirala’s ideas with the future. According to him, BP’s ideology will serve as the intellectual foundation for the country’s prosperity.
Around 7,500 general convention representatives are expected to participate, according to the party office.
Registration of representatives began at the party’s central office in Sanepa on Saturday. The Election Committee said representatives are required to pay Rs 3,500 as a registration fee.
The Accommodation Management Committee has appointed one coordinator each from every constituency, district and province to coordinate accommodation for representatives from their respective areas.
Representatives will receive accommodation-related information through WhatsApp, an AI number and SMS, according to the committee.
The closed sessions will be held on October 5 and 6 following Sunday’s inaugural programme. The president, vice presidents, general secretary and treasurer are scheduled to present separate reports.
The reports will be discussed in three separate halls, with representatives divided into groups based on geographical areas. Digital boards in each hall will allow participants to view and listen to the reports, Chalise said.
The Election Committee has scheduled candidacy registration from 2 pm to 6 pm on October 5 at the National Assembly Hall.
The election schedule may be revised if necessary, according to the Election Committee.
Parking for private cars and motorcycles has been arranged at Bhrikutimandap, the National Assembly premises and the Old Bus Park area. For large buses, parking has been arranged on one lane of the Maitighar-Bhadrakali section.
A media centre has also been established at the convention venue in Khula Manch to provide updates and conduct media briefings during the convention.
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