Sher Bahadur Deuba Seeks Consensus to Resolve Congress Dispute Over General Convention

Recently returning from medical treatment in Singapore, Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba has intensified efforts to resolve the deepening internal dispute over the party’s upcoming General Convention. Although he had appointed Vice President Purna Bahadur Khadka as Acting President during his absence, disagreements over the convention date have forced Deuba himself to step in to seek a consensual solution.

Dispute Over Timing: Before or After the Elections?

For the past month, the Nepali Congress Central Committee meeting has remained inconclusive due to disagreements on whether to hold the General Convention before or after the upcoming elections.

General Secretaries Gagan Thapa and Bishwaprakash Sharma insist that the convention must be held in Poush, arguing that 54% of convention representatives have already demanded a Special General Convention and that it is inappropriate to wait until the general election, scheduled for Falgun.

However, the establishment faction maintains that the convention should only be held after the elections.

Because of these conflicting positions, the Central Committee could not reach any conclusion while Deuba was in Singapore. Since his return on 11 November (28 Kartik), he has been holding continuous consultations with leaders, emphasizing that any decision must be made through consensus.

Deuba Engages in One-on-One Consultations

Although some outgoing federal lawmakers have started collecting signatures demanding the restoration of the House of Representatives, President Deuba has focused on including all viewpoints within the party. He has been holding one-to-one meetings to work out a political exit.

The government has set Falgun 21 for the House of Representatives election and Magh 11 for the National Assembly election. Considering the preparations required for both polls, a section of leaders close to Deuba argue that the General Convention cannot be organized immediately.

Deuba has recently held separate meetings with senior leaders including Prakash Sharan Mahat, NP Saud, Bal Krishna Khand, and Gyanendra Bahadur Karki.

Bishwaprakash Sharma Warns Against Ignoring Statute-Based Demand

General Secretary Bishwaprakash Sharma, during his nearly 1.5-hour meeting with Deuba, reiterated that the demand for a Special General Convention is based strictly on the party statute and cannot be ignored.

According to party insiders, Sharma has even stated that if the party makes a decision that contradicts the statute, he will resign from the post of General Secretary.

Sharma argued:

• Congress has already said that the previous dissolution of Parliament was unconstitutional.
• Therefore, the statutory demand of the representatives cannot be dismissed.

He emphasized that if the Special General Convention is not addressed, the party cannot claim to be acting according to the statute.

Acting President Khadka Continues Parallel Consultations

Party spokesperson Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat confirmed that discussions are ongoing with various leaders to ensure party unity and to prepare collectively for the upcoming elections.

Acting President Purna Bahadur Khadka is holding consultations with leaders regarding the date and modality of the General Convention. Deuba has instructed all leaders to cooperate with the Acting President and to ensure that the Central Committee reaches a unanimous decision.

After returning on 28 Asoj, Deuba formally entrusted Acting President duties to Khadka. The duo has since discussed internal party matters and current political developments.

Statute: 40% Representatives Can Demand Special Convention

Article 17(2) of the Nepali Congress Constitution states:

• A Special General Convention can be called if the Central Committee decides so, or
• If 40% of convention representatives submit a written demand.

Under this provision, 54% of representatives have submitted a written request to the Acting President.
The statutory deadline requires that a Special General Convention be held within three months of such a request.

Since the written demand was submitted on 29 Asoj, the three-month period expires on 28 Poush.

Establishment Faction Wants Convention After Elections

General Secretaries Thapa and Sharma favor holding the convention before the elections, but establishment leaders firmly believe that it must be held only after the elections.

A meeting of establishment faction leaders held on Saturday concluded that it is “impossible” to hold the General Convention before the election date. Joint General Secretary Mahendra Yadav said:

“The election date is very near. At this moment, when we must finalize candidates and prepare for the polls, holding a General Convention is not possible.”

Yadav added that efforts are being made to “persuade the two General Secretaries” to agree to a post-election convention. He argued that Deuba has already allowed new leadership to emerge by appointing Khadka as Acting President.

He added:

“Now that Deuba has returned, Acting President Khadka will soon build consensus after consulting all sides.”

Acting President Khadka to Propose a Date

Acting President Khadka has admitted that the decision on the General Convention has been delayed but emphasized that decisions should not be rushed, as doing so may lead to regret later.

He said that it is essential to:

• keep the party united,
• acknowledge past mistakes,
• apologize to the people if necessary, and
• guide the party toward becoming capable of leading the country again.

A leader close to Khadka said that he is preparing to propose a convention date during Monday’s meeting—likely after the elections, but framed in a way that considers all factions’ concerns.