KATHMANDU: The internal crisis within the Nepali Congress has deepened further, with leaders advocating a special general convention intensifying pressure on the party leadership.
The dispute escalated after General Secretaries Gagan Thapa and Bishwa Prakash Sharma suspended the schedule of the party’s regular 15th general convention and moved ahead with preparations for a special convention. The move has drawn strong resistance from the faction loyal to party President Sher Bahadur Deuba.
Proponents of the special convention have sent a clear message to President Deuba, stating that “this is not a matter of choice between a regular and a special convention, but a mandatory obligation under the party statute.”
On October 15, as many as 2,488 convention representatives submitted a signed application demanding a special general convention, a figure that constitutes more than 54 percent of the total representatives.
According to Clause 17(2) of the Nepali Congress statute, a special general convention must be called if more than 40 percent of convention representatives formally demand it.
Supporters argue that although priority was initially given to holding the regular convention, disputes over active membership, procedural complications and lack of time made it impossible to complete the process within Mangsir–Poush. They say a special convention now remains the only legally valid option.
The two general secretaries issued a joint statement on January 1, announcing the suspension of the regular convention schedule. They have also booked Bhrikutimandap Hall for January 11 and 12, indicating that preparations for the special convention are already underway.
On Friday, proponents said, “The special general convention is a provision of the statute. Any attempt to block it is a direct challenge to party democracy. All representatives are free to participate, and even those who oppose it can express their views.”
Meanwhile, the Deuba faction has continued to argue that a special convention could risk splitting the party. President Deuba has called a Central Executive Committee meeting for 3 pm on Friday.
Ahead of the meeting, Deuba has been holding consultations with leaders close to him. Leaders from the establishment faction have described the move by the general secretaries as an “unconstitutional attempt to overturn a Central Committee decision.” Co-General Secretary Mahendra Yadav said, “A unanimous decision of the Central Committee cannot be reversed by the party president or general secretaries.”
Political analysts warn that the dispute could seriously undermine party unity ahead of the general elections scheduled for March.
If a special convention is held, new leadership could emerge, posing a direct challenge to Deuba’s leadership. If it is not held, the party risks facing accusations of violating its own statute.
Supporters of the special convention insist the issue is clear. “This is not about personal preference or choice. It is about respecting the spirit of the statute and the sentiments of convention representatives,” they said.
The Central Executive Committee meeting is expected to address the issue, though reaching a consensus appears difficult. The prolonged infighting has raised serious questions about the organizational health and credibility of Nepal’s main opposition party.
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