NC special convention debate intensifies as Thapa returns to Kathmandu
Thapa postponed drafting political documents after party President Sher Bahadur Deuba suddenly called a meeting of the Central Executive Committee.
KATHMANDU: As debates over a special convention in the Nepali Congress reach a peak, General Secretary Gagan Thapa cut short his stay in Dhulikhel and returned to Kathmandu early Friday morning.
Thapa postponed drafting political documents after party President Sher Bahadur Deuba suddenly called a meeting of the Central Executive Committee.
Thapa had gone to Dhulikhel in Kavre on Thursday to prepare the necessary political proposals and frameworks for the special convention. He had planned to stay there for a few days to finalize the documents.
On Thursday evening, President Deuba invited Thapa and fellow General Secretary Bishwprakash Sharma to his residence in Maharajgunj for discussions.
However, the meeting could not take place as Thapa remained focused on the “Mission Special Convention.”
The situation changed after the party’s Central Office in Sanepa scheduled a meeting of the Executive Committee for 3 PM on Friday.
According to sources close to Thapa, he immediately began intensive consultations with leaders supporting the special convention upon returning to Kathmandu. He is expected to decide whether to attend the afternoon meeting only after internal deliberations and finalizing strategy.
Deuba Intensifies Discussions and Strategy
After the General Secretaries postponed the regular convention to prepare for the special convention, the establishment faction appeared under pressure.
In response, President Deuba intensified discussions with top leaders from early Friday morning.
Deuba consulted with Acting President Purna Bahadur Khadka and other senior leaders in Maharajganj on strategies to address the General Secretaries’ move. A source close to Deuba said, “The President is focused on discussions with senior leaders on how to respond to the General Secretaries’ step.”
The regular ward-level convention scheduled for 16 Poush was affected due to National Unity and Reconciliation Day.
On Thursday itself, the General Secretaries issued a notice postponing the regular convention.
Thapa and Sharma’s group is preparing to announce the special convention within the next few days, targeting 27 Poush.
They have already booked Bhrikuti Mandap in Kathmandu for the event.
