Ambiguity surrounds the upcoming "Special General Convention" of Nepali Congress (NC), scheduled for January 11-12. While General Secretaries Gagan Thapa and Bishwa Prakash Sharma have mobilized representatives across the country, it remains unclear whether the gathering will actually elect a new leadership.
The confusion deepened after the party's establishment faction, led by President Sher Bahadur Deuba, announced a schedule for the regular 15th General Convention in May 2026. Despite this, representatives are reportedly arriving in the capital, uncertain of the event's ultimate goal.
Leadership vs policy change
General Secretary Gagan Thapa maintained that the convention's outcome would be determined by the "floor."
"If the hall decides to elect a new leadership, I cannot refuse it," Thapa stated, adding that the convention has the authority to set its own procedures. He emphasized that the party needs to change both its policies and its leaders, describing the effort as a "selfless mission" to reform the party.
In contrast, General Secretary Bishwa Prakash Sharma is reportedly less inclined toward an immediate leadership change. Sources suggest he prefers the event to conclude as a "Resolution Convention." Sharma has assured that while the convention will proceed, it will not lead to a party split, famously stating he would "exit the hall" if a division became imminent.
Three possible scenarios
Devraj Chalise, a leader of the special convention movement, outlined three potential paths:
- Pressure for Reform: Maintaining pressure on the current leadership for radical change.
- Coordination: A hope that the party leadership will seek a consensus during the convention.
- Decisive Action: If no coordination occurs, the convention floor will make a final decision.
Subas Pokharel, another leader of the movement, noted that if 51% of the representatives support a move, the convention must take a decisive path. Otherwise, they will pass a "Resolution Proposal" to be carried forward to the regular May convention.
Four key agendas
Organizers have identified four main issues for discussion:
- Policy and leadership: Reviewing the party's direction and hierarchy.
- Political review: A "ruthless" analysis of the violent events of September 8-9 and the party's stance on electoral alliances.
- Structural reform: Amending the party statute to give voting rights to regional representatives and ensuring automatic representation for local committee heads.
- International relations: Reviewing and refining Nepal’s current foreign policy.
The establishment's resistance
The Deuba-led establishment faction remains firm in its opposition, having already declared the special convention's relevance "expired." The party center has issued circulars instructing representatives not to attend, and leaders involved in mediation efforts report a total breakdown in communication between the two factions.
While the General Secretaries frame the event as a "battle of ideas" and a necessary step for a "changing NC," the risk of a legal and political deadlock remains high as the party nears critical electoral deadlines.
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