Congress Special Convention prolonged amid leadership dispute

KATHMANDU: The special convention of the Nepali Congress, convened amid growing internal political activity, has been prolonged due to intense discussions over organizational issues and a power struggle surrounding leadership selection.

The convention, which began in Kathmandu on Sunday, moved forward with closed-door sessions on Monday and is scheduled to continue on Tuesday as well.

During Monday’s closed session, in-depth discussions were held on the contemporary political and organizational reports presented by General Secretaries Gagan Thapa and Bishwo Prakash Sharma.

Delegates were divided into nine groups to deliberate on the reports.

According to the convention schedule, the conclusions and recommendations from these groups will be presented at the closed session starting at 9 am on Tuesday.

Special convention leader Manojmani Acharya said that once the group leaders table their suggestions in the plenary, the process of leadership selection will formally begin.

As per the convention’s procedures, preparations are underway to form a five-member election committee, led by a coordinator, to oversee the polls.

The committee will draft election guidelines and conduct the leadership selection process following the format of a regular general convention, Acharya added.

Meanwhile, with the leadership race set to begin, both the party establishment faction and the camp led by Dr Shekhar Koirala have initiated dialogue with the special convention group.

The establishment side, which favors halting the election process in the interest of party unity, has expressed serious concern over the developments.

Party President Sher Bahadur Deuba held consultations on Monday evening with leaders close to him as well as members of the Koirala faction, and suggested inviting the two general secretaries for talks.

A decisive round of dialogue between the factions is expected to take place today.