KATHMANDU, Aug 11: A dispute has intensified within the Nepali Congress (NC) over preparations for the party’s 15th General Convention, with national gathering organizing committee coordinator Dr Shashank Koirala warning party President Gagan Thapa and other leaders against moving ahead with convention-related activities before the Supreme Court (SC) delivers its final verdict.
In a three-point letter sent to the NC Central Working Committee on Tuesday, Dr Koirala cited the SC’s decision to allow a review of a case concerning the party’s official status.
Dr Koirala has urged the party leadership to suspend all organizational, technical and policy-related activities concerning the 15th General Convention or a special general convention until the court reaches a final decision.
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He has also cautioned the leadership against taking any political, organizational, policy or financial decisions with long-term implications before the verdict, arguing that the party is currently in a legal and policy transition.
Koirala warned that proceeding with convention-related activities in a manner that could affect the case pending before the Supreme Court could invite contempt of court or other legal consequences. He said the concerned parties would be responsible for any such consequences.
He has urged the party to maintain its existing organizational structures until the court delivers its final verdict, while respecting the dignity of the court and the legal process.
Dr Koirala sent copies of the letter to Thapa, as well as the party’s provincial, district, constituency and local-level structures, ward committees, public relation committees and the Election Commission.
The letter is likely to further intensify the dispute within the NC over preparations for the general convention and the party’s future political direction.
