Kathmandu: The Nepali Congress (NC) Central Working Committee is meeting today at the party’s central office, BP Nagar, Sanepa, at 1 pm, amid growing internal disagreement over whether to hold a special general convention.

A Central Working Committee meeting held on Friday had decided to convene the party’s 15th General Convention from April 28 to April 31. Following that decision, General Secretaries Gagan Kumar Thapa and Bishwaprakash Sharma prepared for a special general convention on April 27 and 28, prompting the committee to meet again today.

The general secretaries have consistently argued that a special general convention must be held within three months of a formal demand by at least 40 percent of general convention representatives, as mandated by the party statute. On September 29, signatures of around 54 percent of general convention representatives were submitted to Acting President Purna Bahadur Khadka demanding a special general convention.

However, the Central Working Committee meeting on Friday postponed the special general convention and instead rescheduled the regular general convention for late April, leading to sharp differences within the party.

Spokesperson Mahat’s View
Party spokesperson Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat said the Central Working Committee meeting on Friday extended the committee’s term until the end of Jestha. Earlier, the committee’s term had been extended until the end of Magh by a meeting held on November 15.

He said the 15th General Convention, originally proposed for Poush, could not be held due to various reasons. “The meeting passed the agenda for holding the regular general convention on April 28, 29, 30 and 31, 2083, with the support of the majority of members,” Mahat said.

According to him, the schedule was revised as it was not possible to complete the party’s active membership process within the earlier timeframe, and the general election is also scheduled for Falgun 21. He acknowledged that some leaders have differing views but said those opinions should remain personal.

Thapa Reiterates Call for Special Convention
General Secretary Gagan Kumar Thapa, however, has reiterated that a special general convention will be held by mid-Poush in line with the party statute. Speaking to journalists after Friday’s meeting, Thapa said a decision would be made within two to three days on whether the convention would be convened by the Central Working Committee or directly by the party centre, as provided in the statute.

Thapa said he expressed a dissenting opinion during the meeting, stressing that a special general convention is mandatory if the regular general convention cannot be held within Poush. Warning that he would not remain silent if the statute is violated, he said he would act in accordance with Article 17(2) of the party statute to ensure the convention is held.

He also urged general convention representatives from across the country to prepare to come to Kathmandu, saying formal invitations would be issued soon. Thapa has already announced his candidacy for the party presidency, stating that the proposed special general convention would determine the party’s future leadership, policies and direction.

Today’s Meeting Seen as Crucial
General Secretary Thapa said today’s meeting would be decisive, adding that the general secretaries would make their position public after the discussions. Leaders backing the special general convention insist that the party must go into the next election with a renewed mandate and new leadership to ensure stability.

The party leadership, however, remains unconvinced. Leaders close to the establishment argue that a special general convention is unnecessary at a time when the party should focus on election preparation. Senior leader Krishna Prasad Sitaula has said there is no justification for a special general convention in the current context.

Meanwhile, leaders advocating for the special convention have accused the leadership of taking an unconstitutional path, warning that continued internal conflict could weaken the party’s organizational strength ahead of the elections.