Kathmandu: Nepali Congress is increasingly becoming a prisoner of indecision. After Kartik 27, the Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting has repeatedly been pushed back, leaving crucial decisions hanging in uncertainty.

Instead of taking place on Thursday, the meeting has now been rescheduled for Saturday afternoon at BP Nagar, Sanepa. The party leadership was expected to reach a conclusion on Kartik 28, but persistent delays have exposed what many see as the incompetence of the current leadership.

Despite the growing importance of the meeting—especially amid a shifting political landscape and internal resistance to holding the general convention—the party has not been able to offer any convincing explanation for the postponement.

After the General Secretary and a Vice President presented their reports on Kartik 27, Acting President Purna Bahadur Khadka was supposed to conclude the discussions the next day. Instead, the process has stalled for over a week under various pretexts. Even as Khadka posted on social media, calling for consensus and assuring that a “right decision” would emerge despite delays, he has remained preoccupied with consultations within the establishment faction.

Critics argue that the only “right decision” now is to immediately begin preparations for the party’s general convention. Instead, the establishment appears to be buying time, with indications it prefers to hold the general convention only after the House of Representatives election scheduled for Falgun 21.

With Congress currently out of government and elections approaching, many within the party believe this is the right moment to elect a fresh leadership. President Sher Bahadur Deuba, who returned from Singapore after 18 days of treatment last week, had earlier urged that the party hand over executive powers to Khadka and proceed with the general convention swiftly.

Meanwhile, 54 percent of general convention delegates submitted signatures on Asoj 29 demanding a special general convention—something the party’s statute requires to be held within three months. Even establishment-aligned central committee members—25 of them—have formally demanded that the convention be held before the upcoming elections.

While opinions vary within the party on whether to hold a special or regular general convention, one thing is clear: Congress cannot push any decision beyond Poush 29. Yet Acting President Khadka has not clarified the reason behind the latest postponement.

Congress intellectuals warn that failing to act now will harm the party’s future. With general secretaries already presenting their proposals, and with Congress preparing to face voters on Falgun 21, the pressure is mounting for the party to update its leadership and agenda before going to the people.

Though the balance of influence within the establishment remains unclear, what is increasingly evident is the growing perception that Acting President Khadka stands isolated—and indecision is taking a heavy toll on the Nepali Congress.