KATHMANDU, Nov 12: As the Nepali Congress (NC) grapples with rising internal tensions over the timing of its 15th General Convention, leader Shekhar Koirala has stepped in to mediate between rival factions, seeking a path of consensus before the dispute fractures the party further.
The Central Working Committee (CWC) has been deadlocked over whether to hold the convention before or after the March 5 House of Representatives election. Many had expected the ongoing CWC meeting to focus on ways to guide the country out of the crisis following the Gen Z uprising. Instead, disagreements over the convention date have fueled fears of a possible split.
In response, Koirala has launched consultations with Acting President Purna Bahadur Khadka and General Secretaries Gagan Kumar Thapa and Bishwa Prakash Sharma. While President Sher Bahadur Deuba’s faction favors holding the convention after March, the two general secretaries have argued for organizing it by mid-January — or at least a special convention within that period — citing the party statute and the demand of 54 percent of delegates.
Those supporting a special convention have called for signature verification, a move Koirala warned could deepen the divide. Fifty-five percent of our colleagues have signed up for a special convention. Once the verification begins, the party could split that very day,” Koirala told reporters on Tuesday. “Even with 40 percent, the result would be the same. That’s why we’re seeking a decision through consensus within the CWC.”
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Koirala has been meeting both sides — those demanding a pre-election convention and those preferring it later — urging them to soften their stances. According to sources, he has suggested merging the two timetables tabled at the CWC and bringing a unified schedule that ensures the convention takes place before the elections.
He has also pressed Acting President Khadka to move forward with a regular convention by mid-January while assuring those demanding a special convention that their concerns will be addressed. Koirala has argued that a special convention would not bring the leadership overhaul party members desire, insisting instead on a full-fledged regular convention to ensure leadership renewal “from top to bottom.”
However, sources said the two general secretaries have yet to express a clear position on his proposal, while Acting President Khadka has assured him that any resolution will be reached through consensus.
The CWC, which began on October 14, continues intermittently, with several members presenting their views on Tuesday. Central member Gyanendra Bahadur Karki suggested holding a policy convention before March 5 instead of a special one, while Deputy General Secretary Jeevan Pariyar emphasized that the sentiment of over half the delegates could not be ignored.
Central member Deepak Giri likened the internal movement to the historic Bhandarkhal protest, warning leaders against self-interest and calling for unity. “Let’s remember our flag, our martyrs, and move forward together — no more drama,” he said.
Similarly, Min Bishwakarma proposed holding the regular convention with an eye on the February 21 election, arguing that debating “regular versus special” was wasting valuable time.
Meanwhile, Minendra Rijal proposed giving full responsibility for the upcoming election to the two general secretaries, arguing that the party should “go into the polls with new faces.” “Let’s hand them the reins for four months,” Rijal said. “If they win, great — we step aside. If not, they should.”
Rijal also urged the leadership to stop dithering over alliances and take a firm stand, saying, “Nepal’s democracy is stuck in a narrow alley. We must decide whether to protect it or remain trapped in indecision.”
