Congress presses ahead with general convention process. Deuba camp set for legal challenge

The Nepali Congress has initiated preparations for its 15th general convention, set to take place from October 2-5, despite significant opposition from a faction led by former party president Sher Bahadur Deuba. The party has deployed 85 election officers to all 77 districts to oversee lower-level conventions.

This move comes as the Deuba faction prepares to file a court case. They aim to obtain an interim order to halt the convention schedule until the Supreme Court adjudicates their review petition concerning the legitimacy of the special general convention held in January, which elected Gagan Kumar Thapa as party president. The January convention followed the Gen Z movement.

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Since the main issues for unity are linked to the fairness of the general convention and membership, I am ready to form whatever mechanism or committee is necessary.

Party president Thapa expressed a desire to resolve the dispute politically, suggesting that concerns regarding membership and the fairness of the convention could be addressed through a new mechanism or committee. "Since the main issues for unity are linked to the fairness of the general convention and membership, I am ready to form whatever mechanism or committee is necessary," Thapa stated. He added, "If there are concerns about irregularities, bias or doubts over membership, I am ready for an open discussion and to form a necessary committee. If a mechanism is needed to ensure a fair convention, I am ready to form that too."

The election committee, led by Prem Bahadur Khadka, has adjusted the lower-level timetable to accommodate the Deuba camp. Ward conventions are slated for September 9, followed by local-level conventions on September 12. All remaining conventions, including district and provincial ones, must be completed by September 26. A key change requires even sitting central office-bearers and members seeking central posts to contest from the ward level, increasing the importance of these initial conventions. A central management committee, coordinated by Thapa, has been formed to oversee the 15th general convention, with subcommittees being established for logistics such as accommodation, food, stage management, and health services.

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If there are concerns about irregularities, bias or doubts over membership, I am ready for an open discussion and to form a necessary committee. If a mechanism is needed to ensure a fair convention, I am ready to form that too.