KATHMANDU, July 29: The date of the Nepali Congress (NC)'s 15th General Convention remains uncertain due to internal disputes. Although only a few months are left before the four-year term of the central committee (CC) elected from the 14th Convention expires, the date for the next convention has not been finalized. According to party leaders, the upcoming CC meeting is expected to extend the committee's term by one year, as permitted by the party statute, and finalize the schedule for the general convention.
However, the situation has become more complex amid disputes over active membership, which forms the basis for the convention. The party's internal politics became more turbulent after the NC’s Disciplinary Committee took action against several leaders for alleged betrayal during the 2022 elections.
Unless the party uses the additional flexibility provided by the statute and constitutional provisions, the 15th General Convention must be held by mid-December 2026. Yet, the NC has not even resolved the disputes over active membership that date back to before the 14th general convention. The party has two categories of membership, and a committee headed by General Secretary Gagan Kumar Thapa—comprising Sita Gurung, Yogendra Chaudhary, and Prakash Rasaili—has been formed to manage new applications and renewals of active membership.
The committee has extended its timeline repeatedly and now has until mid-October. Disciplinary actions taken against leaders and cadres for undermining party candidates, supporting rebels, or failing to assist alliance candidates during the last election have further complicated the membership renewal process.
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According to second-rung leaders, Party President Sher Bahadur Deuba wants the general convention to be held only after the general elections in 2027, and most top office bearers support him.
However, former General Secretary Krishna Prasad Sitaula told reporters on Sunday that the 15th General Convention should be held by mid-November to mid-December 2026. Citing the party’s statute, which mandates a convention every five years, he said, “The convention must take place by mid-December 2026—it will and it should.” Arguing that the convention should be held around Dashain 2026, he emphasized, “The general convention should not be delayed beyond mid-December.”
While second-generation leaders want the convention before the next general election, some allege that both the first and third generations prefer to delay it. As per the party statute, the CC’s term can be extended by one year, and an additional six months can be granted under constitutional provisions. “The first and third generations want the convention to take place immediately after the 2027 general elections,” one leader said.
Under the statute, Deuba cannot run for party president again. A leader claimed that Deuba would prefer to hold the convention only after completing his government leadership term.
Leaders aspiring for the party presidency include Sitaula, Dr. Shekhar Koirala, Dr. Shashanka Koirala, Bimalendra Nidhi, Purna Bahadur Khadka, and Prakash Man Singh. These leaders have ramped up their engagements accordingly. Sitaula, along with Nidhi, Singh, Shashank, Gopalman Shrestha, Bijay Kumar Gachhadar, and Prakash Sharan Mahat, have been actively meeting and holding discussions.
Sitaula confirmed that all seven are interested in the presidency but said a decision would be made once the time for the convention comes. “We’ll decide when the time comes. One of us might run, or we may collectively support someone. Why should there be any objection or rush?” he said. He also claimed that their discussions are not solely focused on the general convention.
Although Sitaula expressed dissatisfaction with the government's performance, he acknowledged there is no alternative at present. “The government hasn’t performed as expected, but it will continue. There’s no possibility of a new government with another alliance. The current agreement will be honored,” he said.
Sitaula also said the NC ministers have performed poorly, and the party has drawn the prime minister’s attention to this through the party president. He emphasized the need to move forward with constitutional implementation, review, and amendment. As the largest party in the House of Representatives (HoR), the NC should lead the amendment process, he said, but added that the government must formally initiate it.
The Constitutional Council bill has been returned to the HoR by President Ram Chandra Paudel. The NC leaders argue that the council should not convene while the HoR is not active, based on legal provisions. Sitaula said the president has the right to return the bill with reasons.
Regarding the internal dispute within the Bagmati Province Congress, Sitaula said President Deuba should summon both sides to resolve the matter. He stressed that leaders should move forward with mutual understanding rather than conflict.
