The Nepali Congress is currently deeply divided over the issue of its upcoming General Convention. The establishment faction, led by Party President Sher Bahadur Deuba, insists that the 15th General Convention should be held only after the elections scheduled for Falgun 21, while the dissident faction is adamant that the process must begin within Mangsir. The dissident group has already submitted signatures of 54% of General Convention representatives in support of a Special General Convention.
However, despite a month-long Central Committee meeting, the party has failed to reach any conclusion regarding the General Convention. Below are edited excerpts from a conversation with Central Committee member Pradeep Paudel:
What happened during the month-long Central Committee meeting?
Paudel says the party spent an entire month in meetings, yet failed to reach a meaningful decision. Although the intention was to listen to everyone’s views and find consensus, the meeting suffered from delays, poor time management, and prolonged speeches that added to the confusion.
Paudel emphasized the urgency of holding the party convention before the upcoming elections, even if it requires working “round the clock” in a war-like mode.
Why insist on a Special General Convention instead of focusing on the regular one?
According to Paudel, the party has only two options:
- General Convention before the election, or
- Special General Convention.
If the General Convention is to be held after the election, then a Special General Convention becomes mandatory beforehand. Dissident leaders are ready to withdraw their demand for a Special Convention only if a firm and credible roadmap for the regular 15th General Convention before the election is guaranteed.
Is the goal really to change leadership rather than follow procedure?
Paudel clarifies that leadership change is not the primary motive. However, if the party declares the schedule for the 15th General Convention by Poush 25–26, the Special Convention could be stopped. Otherwise, the Special Convention will proceed.
He notes that although a Special Convention can divide party psychology, changing leadership before the election through a legitimate process will actually strengthen the party’s unity and electoral position.
What is the middle-ground solution?
Paudel proposes completing the 15th General Convention by Poush 26–28 as the best compromise. This would preserve party unity, provide clear policy direction, and prepare the Congress for the elections with a stronger foundation.
Were issues raised by the Gen-Z Movement discussed in the meeting?
Paudel firmly denies claims that such discussions were sidelined. He says corruption, political overreach, and social media restrictions were discussed more extensively than ever before. He stressed that Gen-Z protesters were not demanding positions but were demanding an end to corruption and political interference.
How will Nepali Congress become fully digital-friendly?
Paudel introduced the idea of “Digi Congress”, aimed at transforming the party into a digital-friendly organization from ward level to the central level. Key proposals include:
- Parallel digital structures in all organizational levels
- Stronger social media presence
- Guaranteed representation for members below 30 and below 40 across all levels
- Youth quotas in the Central Committee
He refers to the Gen-Z movement as Nepal’s “latest digital revolution” and says the party must adapt accordingly.
What is Congress’ view on the government’s decision to hold elections on Falgun 21?
Paudel considers elections the only solution to the current political crisis. He warns that if elections are not held on schedule, even the constitutional framework could be at risk.
He criticized the government for failing to create a secure and trustworthy election environment despite claiming commitment. He urged the Prime Minister to coordinate with major political leaders and focus solely on election preparations.
How to ensure Gen-Z representation in the Special General Convention?
Paudel says the Special Convention has become inevitable. To ensure Gen-Z representation, temporary amendments can be made to the party statute through the Central Committee, allowing:
- Election of specific delegates representing Gen-Z
- Guaranteed entry paths for youth into the Central Committee
- Mandatory youth representation in leadership selection
He believes these measures can be approved through consensus.
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