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Kathmandu, Nov 13: Senior leaders of the Nepali Congress (NC) remain divided over when to hold the party’s 15th general convention, with most establishment figures insisting it should take place only after the upcoming national elections scheduled for Falgun 21 (March 5).

During the ongoing Central Committee meeting, several prominent leaders including Bimalendra Nidhi, Krishna Prasad Sitaula, Gopalman Shrestha, Prakash Man Singh, Dr. Shashank Koirala, and Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat argued that the convention should be held in Baisakh (April–May), after the elections. Only Bijay Kumar Gachhadar suggested it could be possible to organize it by Poush (January).

Speaking at the meeting, Gachhadar opposed calls for a “special convention,” urging consensus for a regular one by Poush end. He also asked leaders not to disregard the “seven brothers,” referring to senior figures from key political families, and reminded the party of their contributions.

Nidhi, however, dismissed the idea of either a special or pre-election convention, saying the priority should be the upcoming polls. He argued that the election would restore constitutional order and that the party must extend its term to focus on the vote. He also stood firmly against reviving the dissolved House of Representatives.

Dr. Shashank Koirala echoed Nidhi’s view, emphasizing that the Falgun 21 election must be the party’s top focus. He said Congress had the responsibility to unite political parties and civil society and lead the nation toward democratic stability. Koirala accused the government of failing to create a secure environment for elections and urged pressure on it to do so.

Other leaders voiced concern over growing division in the party. Bal Bahadur KC called for dialogue with those demanding a special convention, while Ramesh Lekhak warned that pursuing one could lead to a party split. He said procedural ambiguity made such a move risky.

Meanwhile, leader Shyam Ghimire supported reinstating parliament if elections fail to happen, warning that prolonged political vacuum could worsen instability.

Although most establishment leaders back a post-election convention, some central members within the same camp support holding it before the vote. Opposition faction leaders like Gagan Thapa and Shekhar Koirala argue the regular convention should be held by Poush, or else a special one must take place. Shekhar Koirala cautioned that a special convention, if mishandled, could still divide the party.

People’s News Monitoring Service