KATHMANDU: As the Nepali Congress (NC) approaches a decisive moment, convention delegates from across the country have begun traveling to Kathmandu to participate in the special general convention scheduled for January 11 and 12.
According to party insiders, delegates representing 54.58 percent of the party’s general convention members, who had formally backed the call for a special convention, are on the move from eastern Koshi Province to far-western Sudurpaschim. Many delegates have taken to social media, posting messages under an informal “Let’s go to Kathmandu for the special convention” campaign, signaling their commitment to attend the gathering.
The mobilization has intensified despite the party establishment’s clear opposition. A meeting of the NC Central Working Committee held on Thursday urged the organizers to withdraw the special convention. However, General Secretary Gagan Thapa, who attended the meeting, rejected the proposal and instead called on convention delegates to participate in the special convention as scheduled.
While the Central Working Committee decided to issue an appeal to halt the special convention, the anti-convention camp has simultaneously announced a counter-strategy. Leaders aligned with the establishment faction, including those linked to the party’s sister organization Nepal Tarun Dal, have decided to organize a youth gathering in Kathmandu on January 11, the very day the special convention is set to begin, in an apparent attempt to undermine and counter the event.
In contrast, leaders backing the special convention have pressed ahead with preparations. Party flags and banners are being put up across parts of Kathmandu, and work to decorate and ready the venue at Bhrikutimandap is already underway. Organizers say these efforts are meant to welcome delegates and ensure the convention proceeds smoothly.
Claims of pressure and misinformation
As the confrontation sharpens, the pro-convention camp has accused the party establishment of actively trying to sabotage the event. According to them, efforts are underway to force delegates to withdraw their signatures supporting the special convention or, failing that, to spread claims of fake or forged signatures.
Leaders backing the convention argue that decisions taken by the Central Working Committee are being used to legitimize these efforts. They allege that pressure tactics are being employed to discourage delegates from travelling to Kathmandu and to create confusion through social media campaigns.
Several controversial letters claiming that delegates have withdrawn their support have circulated online in recent days. In Sarlahi district alone, letters bearing similar formats and language have surfaced, claiming that more than half a dozen convention delegates had retracted their signatures.
However, Lalbabu Rai, whose name appeared on one such letter, publicly denied withdrawing his signature when contacted, saying the claim was false. Similarly, Jyoti Dhakal of Chitwan also took to social media to clarify that she had not withdrawn her support for the special convention, dismissing the circulated letter in her name as misleading.
Both sides dig in
With just one day remaining before the scheduled start of the special convention, neither side appears willing to back down. Instead, both camps are engaged in what party observers describe as a decisive final push, one side focused on ensuring a strong turnout to legitimize the convention, and the other determined to prevent it from succeeding.
Social media has become a major battleground, with leaders, delegates and cadres openly campaigning for their respective positions. Statements, counter-statements and appeals are being shared widely, reflecting the depth of the internal rift.
Analysts note that the party establishment, often identified with long-time power holders at both the state and party levels, including the acting party president and a core group of senior leaders, appears to view the attempt to stop the special convention as a matter of political survival. The group has consistently taken decisions aimed at preventing the convention, even rejecting demands raised in accordance with party statutes, according to critics.
On the other hand, General Secretaries Gagan Thapa and Bishwa Prakash Sharma, who enjoy strong popularity among grassroots workers, argue that the demand for a special convention is fully in line with the party statute. They maintain that the party must function according to established rules, procedures and internal democracy.
A turning point for the party
Party leaders acknowledge that the next 48 hours will be crucial. If the Nepali Congress fails to reach a new understanding or compromise by Friday or Saturday, many believe the party’s future trajectory could fundamentally change.
If a majority of convention delegates attend the special convention, it could pave the way for a legally valid leadership transition within the party. Conversely, if participation remains low due to pressure or withdrawals, the push led by Thapa, Sharma and other younger leaders could suffer a major setback—at least for now.
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