NC Special Convention moves to closed-door session

KATHMANDU: The Nepali Congress has begun its closed-door session of the ongoing Special Convention at Bhrikutimandap in Kathmandu from Monday.

The convention, which was inaugurated with much fanfare on Sunday, has entered its second day with a focus on policy debates and organizational restructuring.

According to Subas Pokhrel, Coordinator of the Convention Publicity Committee, the formal proceedings of the closed-door session will commence at 10 am.

The initial phase will involve the formulation of procedural guidelines necessary for the smooth conduct of the convention. This will be followed by group-wise discussions centered on the party’s core agendas.

Policy Deliberations in Nine Groups

To ensure structured and effective discussions, delegates have been divided into nine separate groups. These groups will engage in in-depth deliberations on four major themes: amendment of the party statute, leadership and policy direction, governance reform, and contemporary national political issues.

Pokhrel stated that the feedback and conclusions drawn from these discussions will play a decisive role in shaping the party’s future ideological stance and organizational roadmap. Issues related to statute amendment and governance reform are being given particular priority at this convention.

Leadership Question Takes Center Stage

One of the most crucial aspects of the closed-door session is the question of leadership. Following the policy discussions, the convention is expected to take a major decision on whether the current leadership should continue or whether a new leadership should be elected.

If a majority favors leadership change, an election committee will be immediately formed to initiate the electoral process. However, Pokhrel noted that, in the interest of internal unity, there remains a strong possibility that a new working committee could be selected unanimously through consensus.

Delegate Registration Extended

Meanwhile, the registration process for delegates has been extended until 11 am on Monday. According to Yubaraj Pandey, Coordinator of the Regional and District Coordination Committee, several delegates from remote and far-flung districts arrived only this morning. The extension was granted to facilitate their participation.

Deuba’s Participation Rumors Denied

The secretariat of Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba has formally denied rumors circulating on social media claiming that he would attend the closed-door session of the Special Convention.

In a press note issued on Monday, Deuba’s personal secretary, Bhanu Deuba, clarified that there is no schedule for the party president to participate in the event. The secretariat accused certain individuals of spreading misleading information for political motives.

“Some individuals have deliberately disseminated false information through social media claiming that Nepali Congress President and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba would attend the event at Bhrikutimandap today,” the statement said. “The secretariat would like to clearly state that there is no such program.”

Calls for Deuba’s Presence

Leaders speaking at Sunday’s inaugural session had urged President Deuba to attend the closed-door session and formally acknowledge the Special Convention. They argued that his presence would strengthen internal democracy within the party.

However, leaders from the establishment faction have dismissed such claims as baseless and misleading.

At present, preparations for the closed-door session are underway at Bhrikutimandap, as party delegates gear up for what is expected to be a decisive phase of the Special Convention.