KATHMANDU:- The Nepali Congress (NC) is facing internal turmoil as a nationwide “for and against” campaign unfolds ahead of the proposed Special General Convention (SGC), driven by General Secretaries Gagan Thapa and Bishwa Prakash Sharma, despite the central working committee’s rejection of the idea.
The NC central working committee had previously dismissed the SGC plan as illegal and unnecessary, rescheduling the general convention after the March 5 House of Representatives elections. However, Thapa and Sharma remain firm on holding the SGC, reportedly set for January 11–12 at Bhrikutimandap, deepening divisions within the party between supporters and opponents of the move.
Reports from across the country indicate that some district and provincial committees are circulating directives favoring their respective stances. In Madhes Province, all eight NC district presidents urged leaders, cadres, and members to refrain from activities violating party statutes, emphasizing that only the central working committee has the authority to call a general convention.
In contrast, the NC Gulmi district committee has encouraged its convention representatives to attend the SGC. District president Khildhwoj Panthi described the SGC as a crucial platform for defining the party’s ideological clarity, organizational unity, internal democracy, and response to the country’s political challenges. He stressed that participation is vital for both the party’s and nation’s future.
Meanwhile, nine out of ten district presidents in Karnali Province issued circulars opposing the SGC, calling on leaders not to attend and urging adherence to party discipline.
The conflicting directives underscore growing factionalism within the NC as the party grapples with organizational and political divisions ahead of the elections.