Nepali Congress special convention begins (photos)

KATHMANDU: Amid growing internal political polarization within the Nepali Congress, a “Special General Convention” commenced today at Bhrikutimandap in Kathmandu.

The registration process for delegates arriving from across the country began early this morning.

The convention has been convened at the call of General Secretaries Gagan Thapa and Bishwaprakash Sharma after collecting signatures from 54 percent of the party’s general convention delegates, in accordance with Article 17 (2) of the party statute.

However, the establishment faction of the party has refused to grant official recognition to the convention.

Although the registration was scheduled to begin at 8:00 am, it started slightly later due to technical preparations.

Delegates were seen enthusiastically registering their names at stalls set up near the main entrance of the convention venue.

The registration fee has been fixed at Rs 1,000 per delegate.

The formal inauguration of the convention is scheduled for 12:00 noon today.

Prior to the opening session, the party has planned rallies and processions from six different locations across the Kathmandu Valley, which will converge at Bhrikutimandap.

The inaugural session will be chaired by Sabuj Baniya, President of the Nepali Congress Kathmandu District Working Committee.

Following the inauguration, the closed-door session will begin immediately and will be presided over by the senior-most delegate present, as per the agreed arrangement.

Photos:

-Saroj Basnet