Kathmandu, January 2 – The Nepali Congress party’s central working committee meeting has approved a new schedule for its 15th General Convention, setting it for Baisakh 28–31, 2083 (April-May 2026), effectively postponing it beyond the upcoming February-March parliamentary elections. However, General Secretary Gagan Kumar Thapa has strongly opposed the decision, registering a dissent note and warning that he will not sit idly if the party statute is violated. Thapa insisted that a special general convention must be held by the end of Poush (mid-January 2026) as per the party’s statute.

The decision comes amid escalating tensions within the party, with the pro-special convention faction (led by Thapa, fellow General Secretary Bishwa Prakash Sharma, and leader Shekhar Koirala) pushing for an immediate leadership and policy reset in light of the Gen-Z movement’s demands. The establishment faction, led by party President Sher Bahadur Deuba and Acting President Purna Bahadur Khadka, argues that holding a convention before the elections would risk party unity.

New Schedule for Regular Convention Approved

Acting President Purna Bahadur Khadka tabled the proposal under Article 43 of the party statute, which was passed by majority vote. The revised timeline is as follows:

• Chaitra 21: Ward-level conventions.
• Chaitra 25: Municipal/rural municipal conventions.
• Chaitra 28: Provincial assembly constituency conventions.
• Baisakh 2: District conventions (single federal constituency districts).
• Baisakh 5: District conventions (multiple federal constituency districts).
• Baisakh 10–12: Provincial conventions.
• Baisakh 28–31: Central general convention.

Party spokesperson Prakash Sharan Mahat confirmed the schedule, stating that the earlier Poush timeline was unfeasible due to the election announcement.

Gagan Thapa’s Strong Dissent and Warning

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, General Secretary Thapa said: “The proposal to hold the convention in Baisakh was passed by majority, but the issue of the special convention demanded by 54% of delegates remains unresolved. As per Article 17(2) of the statute, a special convention must be called within three months of the demand – the deadline is Poush 28–29.”

He warned: “We have registered our dissent and are not going home to sleep. We will wait one or two more days. If the President or Acting President calls a meeting and announces the special convention as per the statute, that would be ideal. Otherwise, I will ensure the statute is followed – I will not sit idly watching it being violated.”

Thapa emphasized that the Mangsir 15 central committee decision stated the special convention demand would only be deferred if the regular convention proceeded on schedule. Since it did not, the special convention is mandatory.

Fellow General Secretary Bishwa Prakash Sharma has also proposed a detailed two-day timeline for the special convention (Poush 26–27), including closed sessions, policy discussions on key issues like good governance and Gen-Z demands, candidate nominations, and electronic voting.

Analysis: Risk of Split and Impact on Elections

The standoff highlights a deepening divide in the Nepali Congress. The pro-special convention group argues that new leadership and policies are essential before the February elections to address the Gen-Z movement’s calls for reform. The establishment fears a pre-election convention could fracture the party.

Analysts warn that failure to resolve the crisis could lead to internal rebellion, affecting party unity and performance in the upcoming elections. With youth voters playing a larger role post-Gen-Z protests, the Congress risks losing credibility if it delays internal renewal.

The next few days’ meetings will be crucial. Pro-special convention leaders have already booked a venue in Bhrikutimandap for late Poush, signaling their determination.