NC Rift Widens as Special Convention Demand Remains Unaddressed

Despite approving the timetable for its 15th General Convention, the Nepali Congress has failed to settle the demand for a special convention supported by more than half of its delegates. The Central Working Committee endorsed the January schedule but avoided the special session issue, extending its own tenure to the end of January, prompting fresh doubts among critics.

Leaders backing the special convention say their 16 October proposal remains valid and accuse the party leadership of pushing an unrealistic calendar to sideline their demand. General Secretaries Gagan Thapa and Bishwaprakash Sharma caution that ignoring procedural issues could push the party closer to a special session.

The establishment argues that the regular General Convention makes a special session unnecessary, but opposing leaders maintain that any delay or obstruction will only strengthen their case—keeping internal tensions firmly alive.