Supporters demanding a special general convention within the Nepali Congress have laid siege to the party’s central office in Sanepa.
After the failure to finalize the schedule for the party’s regular 15th general convention, preparations for a special convention have intensified under the leadership of General Secretaries Gagan Thapa and Bishwo Prakash Sharma.
The supporters expressed anger, stating that despite more than 54 percent (2,488) of the general convention representatives submitting signatures demanding a special convention in accordance with Article 17(2) of the party statute, the central leadership has continued to ignore the demand even as nearly three months have passed. Demonstrators surrounded the central office and raised slogans in protest.
The pro–special convention group has booked a hall at Bhrikutimandap and is preparing to hold the special convention by the end of Poush. However, the establishment faction has decided to move forward by rescheduling the regular general convention for Baisakh.
This internal rift within the Nepali Congress is also expected to affect the parliamentary elections scheduled for Falgun. Although discussions aimed at party unity are ongoing, consensus has yet to be reached.
About the Author
