Most Congress Leaders Demand Regular General Convention on Time

The Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting of the Nepali Congress is scheduled to continue today as well. The meeting, which began on Tuesday, will convene again at 11 a.m. at the party’s central office.

After party president Sher Bahadur Deuba appointed Purna Bahadur Khadka as acting president, the first meeting under Khadka’s leadership was held on Thursday. During that meeting, most members proposed that the party begin preparations to hold the regular general convention in Mangsir (November–December) as scheduled.

Party spokesperson Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat said most members expressed the view that the party must now clarify its stance regarding the 15th General Convention. The meeting also condemned the attack on the Gen-z protest, describing it as a grave assault.

According to Mahat, several members voiced frustration that the government has failed to move toward facilitating elections, instead appearing to pursue a path of political revenge. He added that leaders doubt whether the government can ensure a conducive election environment, given the lack of public security and the low morale within the security agencies.

Call for Consensus on Holding Regular General Convention

At the beginning of the meeting, Acting President Khadka emphasized the need for consensus to hold the regular convention on time. He said that signatures had been collected in accordance with the party statute for a special convention, and that the proposal would be reviewed and processed accordingly.

“I believe the main concern of those demanding a special convention is to ensure the regular convention takes place by the end of Mangsir,” Khadka said. “By the conclusion of this meeting, I am confident we will reach a consensus to hold the regular general convention on time.”

Proposals and Internal Discussion

Earlier, General Secretary Gagan Kumar Thapa had submitted a proposal signed by convention representatives. The proposal addressed the Gen-z movement, the evolving political developments, and issues related to the reconstruction of national structures, including from the President’s Office to various other institutions across the country.

Thapa also brought up matters concerning active membership and disciplinary committee decisions for internal discussion.
The meeting largely focused on preparations for the upcoming convention.

Leaders Stress Renewal Through Regular Convention

Speaking at the meeting, senior leader Dr. Shekhar Koirala said that the aspirations of all party members can only be addressed through a regular convention. He emphasized that since other political parties are preparing to hold their own conventions in Mangsir, the Nepali Congress must do the same.

“If other parties can hold their conventions in Mangsir, why can’t we?” Koirala said. “If we want to transform Congress into a party of new possibilities and direction, our 15th General Convention must be held in Mangsir 2082. I trust that the General Secretary will soon bring forward a schedule for it.”

Koirala added that both leadership renewal and organizational rejuvenation are only possible through a regular general convention.
He also stated that the issues raised under the pretext of a special convention should instead serve as sources of energy for the party.

“This is not merely a ritual responsibility before us,” he said. “It’s an opportunity to reaffirm Congress as a moral force for change, combining the energy of youth and the experience of the older generation. I firmly believe we can achieve that through a regular convention.”

Internal Unity and Disciplinary Concerns

Koirala further remarked that the outcomes of the general convention would revitalize the party among the public ahead of the national elections scheduled for March 5 (Falgun 21).
He stressed the need for unity and reconciliation within the party and urged that disciplinary actions recommended by the committee be withdrawn, given the current political situation.

Call for Accountability Over Gen-z Incident

Leader Arjun Narsingh KC said the incidents of Bhadra 23 and 24 (Sept 8–9) during the Gen-z movement must be thoroughly investigated. He added that if the regular general convention cannot be held, a special convention must take place.

“Collecting signatures for a special convention means we want to ensure the regular convention takes place in Mangsir,” KC said. “There’s no alternative to unity. We must move toward the convention through mutual understanding.”

KC also clarified that political parties cannot enter elections without security guarantees.

Concerns Over Governance and Rule of Law

Central member Ram Hari Khatiwada accused certain individuals in government of acting outside the law. He said that the current government has been formed against constitutional norms and that party leaders had expressed concerns about it.

Khatiwada emphasized the need for political parties to address Gen-z’s demands moving forward, saying, “We must proceed in a way that respects the older generation and attracts the new one.”

Decision Pending

Discussions on holding the general convention on time have begun, with leaders suggesting that it will indeed take place as scheduled.
“The convention will be regular and timely,” said one leader. “The remaining conclusions will come from the central committee’s final decision.”

Demands have been made within the Nepali Congress to hold either a regular or special convention within Mangsir.