Kathmandu, Oct 7: The debate over holding a Special General Convention within the Nepali Congress has intensified in recent days. In the wake of the dramatic Gen-Z movement on September 8–9, discussions about leadership change and organizational transformation have spread across major political parties, with the Nepali Congress now seeing growing divisions on the issue.
Party President Sher Bahadur Deuba’s faction insists that the regular general convention should be held after the March 5 general elections, as planned. However, the faction led by General Secretaries Gagan Kumar Thapa and Bishwo Prakash Sharma, along with senior leader Dr. Shekhar Koirala, is campaigning for an early special general convention to elect new leadership before the polls.
Deputy General Secretary Mahendra Yadav argued that since the election date has already been announced for March 5, both the special and regular conventions cannot be held simultaneously. “The Congress must head into the elections united. Afterward, we can hold the regular convention. There’s no point in changing leadership right before the polls if it doesn’t help strengthen the party’s position,” Yadav stated.
He added that the Central Working Committee meeting scheduled for October 12 will decide whether to contest the elections under Deuba’s leadership or appoint an acting president. Yadav emphasized that Deuba’s second term will end with the 15th General Convention, and whatever decision is made will aim to strengthen party unity.
President Deuba and his wife Mrs Arzu Rana Deuba are still in hospital after both of them were brutally attacked by Gen Z led mob in their house in Budhanilakantha, Kathmandu. Deuba has not personally commented on party’s conventions, regular or special.
Meanwhile, leader Gururaj Ghimire said signature campaigns are underway in all 77 districts, and the compiled signatures will be presented to President Deuba before the upcoming committee meeting. “The constitution requires 40 percent support to call a special convention, but we’re confident we’ll reach 51 percent. Once that happens, the Central Working Committee should set the date for the special convention,” Ghimire said. He added that the campaign aims to reform the party’s policies, leadership structure, and electoral system in response to growing demands for internal transformation. #nepal #congress
