Internal conflict within Nepali Congress (NC) intensified on Friday as a faction advocating for a Special General Convention held a press conference to demand an immediate assembly, calling it "mandatory" for the party's future.
The demand comes a day after NC General Secretaries Gagan Thapa and Bishwa Prakash Sharma issued a joint statement announcing the postponement of the party's regular General Convention. In response to the growing internal rift, Acting President Purna Bahadur Khadka has summoned a meeting of the Central Work Execution Committee (CWEC) for 3:00 pm today.
Key demands
During the press conference, leader Subash Pokharel, representing the pro-convention faction, emphasized that the gathering is not merely an option but a statutory necessity.
Pokharel claimed that 54.8% of General Convention delegates have already signed in favor of a Special General Convention, meeting the internal requirements of the party's statute.
Addressing rumors of a potential split, Pokharel clarified that the faction is not seeking to divide the party. Instead, he argued that a "win-win" solution is required to keep the party united and move forward with a fresh mandate.
The faction timed their press meet specifically to influence the CWEC meeting, urging the leadership to formalize the decision for a special session.
Current situation
The party finds itself at a crossroads as top leaders remain divided over the timing of the next convention. While the General Secretaries cited specific reasons for the postponement on Thursday, the rival faction argues that delaying the democratic process risks weakening the party's organizational structure.
"The Special General Convention is not optional; it is mandatory," Pokharel told reporters. "The party must be steered in a new direction, and the convention is the only way to ensure unity and progress."
All eyes are now on the CWEC meeting this afternoon to see if the leadership will bow to the pressure of the majority delegates or maintain the postponement.
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