Kathmandu: The Nepali Congress Central Committee meeting, which began before Tihar, continued today with heated discussions among party leaders regarding the timing of the party’s general convention.

A majority of members have expressed the view that the general convention should be held before the upcoming elections, arguing that an early convention would help strengthen internal unity and prepare the party for the polls. However, President Sher Bahadur Deuba’s faction continues to maintain that the convention should take place after the elections.

The growing divide has opened the possibility of calling a special general convention to resolve the issue. According to party insiders, General Secretary Gagan Thapa and other younger leaders are among those strongly advocating for holding the general convention before the general elections.

With President Deuba currently abroad for medical treatment, the meeting is being led by Acting President and Vice President Purna Bahadur Khadka. However, questions have been raised within the party about Khadka’s effectiveness in managing organizational affairs and facilitating key decisions during this critical phase.

Deuba’s absence has further complicated discussions on organizational performance, the restoration of parliament, and the timing of the general convention. As the deliberations continue, it remains uncertain whether the meeting will reach a consensus or lead to deeper divisions within the party.