KATHMANDU, Sept 16: With the Nepali Congress, the country’s oldest political party, formally nearing a split, leaders from both factions have stepped up efforts to bring leaders and cadres into their respective camps.
After the Election Commission and Supreme Court recognised the leadership that emerged from the special general convention held in January, the establishment faction has begun preparations for the party’s 15th general convention.
The establishment side has decided to begin ward-level conventions on September 20 and hold the general convention in Kathmandu from October 3. The rival faction, meanwhile, has started preparations for a general convention in November and has accelerated the formation of various committees for the purpose.
As both factions intensify their preparations, leader Dr Shekhar Koirala has not openly sided with either camp. Arguing that broad party unity is not possible without former President Sher Bahadur Deuba, Koirala has maintained that he will not participate in the conventions organised by either faction.
At the same time, most leaders who were previously close to Deuba have decided to participate in the 15th general convention being organised by the establishment faction from October 3.
Leaders including Purna Bahadur Khadka, one of Deuba’s close associates, are preparing to participate in the convention organised by the establishment faction. Leaders close to Khadka claim he became dissatisfied after the rival faction appointed Dr Shashank Koirala as coordinator of its convention preparation committee.
Third National Tug-of-War Championship taking place on Feb 28 a...
A few days ago, President Gagan Kumar Thapa visited Khadka at his residence. Following the meeting, a member close to Khadka said Khadka had told his associates to participate in the convention organised by the establishment faction.
More than two dozen leaders from the former establishment faction who are close to Khadka met him on Monday. A member close to him said Khadka himself had not stated that he would participate in the convention but added, “We have decided to participate.”
A review petition challenging the Supreme Court’s decision recognising the special general convention and the leadership elected through it remains pending. As the case has yet to be settled, some have argued that Khadka, who was serving as acting party president at the time, could face an ethical question if he participates in the convention.
“He did not contest the election and may not participate in the general convention either, but we expect him and the establishment faction to extend their good wishes to the convention,” the Khadka-aligned member said.
As the party formally approaches a split, Deuba issued an appeal on Tuesday urging party leaders and cadres not to participate in the general convention scheduled to begin on September 19.
Deuba accused those behind the special general convention of failing to learn from the election results after spreading what he described as misinformation that the party could not win elections under its experienced leadership. He described them as representing a tendency to weaken rather than build the Congress and said the party had been built through the sacrifices of senior leaders who devoted their lives to the country since its establishment.
Expressing concern over the disputes and disagreements within the party, Deuba said, “The group that illegally held the special general convention in violation of the party’s rules, statute, procedures, traditions and decisions of the Central Working Committee appears to be trying to move ahead unilaterally after publishing a schedule for its so-called 15th general convention.”
Deuba claimed that party leaders, cadres and the Nepali public had yet to receive an answer as to why the allegedly illegal special general convention was held. He also argued that proceeding with the convention while the issue remains before the court violates the party’s rules, procedures and established legal principles.
“On one hand, the question of legality remains under consideration by the court, and the parties continue to appear in the case. On the other hand, moving ahead with the convention process before the final decision is reached does not appear appropriate politically, ethically, legally or constitutionally,” Deuba said in his appeal.
Reiterating that he has no desire for any party post or responsibility, Deuba said, “If the state and the Nepali Congress believe that my experience needs to be utilised, I will not hesitate to serve until the final moments of my life.”
Shortly after Deuba issued his appeal, party President Gagan Kumar Thapa also urged party leaders and cadres to participate enthusiastically in the 15th general convention.
Calling on members to participate without confusion in the ward-level conventions scheduled for September 19 and 20, Thapa said differences of opinion are normal in a democracy and that internal disagreements can arise within a party. He said the strength of democracy lies in respecting differing views and resolving disputes through dialogue, rules and established procedures.
Thapa also said the Congress has a tradition of accepting differences of opinion and seeking solutions through established rules and procedures.
“The general convention, in which all party members participate in the party’s internal life, is such a process and the best option,” he said. “It respects different views, addresses them and endorses appropriate positions.”
Thapa stressed the need to use the general convention as a collective effort to unite and revitalise the party and build a stronger Congress capable of addressing the country’s challenges.
“I sincerely appeal to all committees at every level, office bearers, members, supporters and well wishers to ensure that the 15th general convention is held in a cordial and harmonious environment, with everyone participating while keeping the broader interests of the party in mind, and to participate in it enthusiastically,” Thapa said.
