Nepali Congress is heading toward two parallel general conventions, with the faction led by party president Gagan Kumar Thapa preparing to open its 15th general convention in Kathmandu on Ashoj 16, while the faction of former president Sher Bahadur Deuba plans to hold its own convention from Mangsir 21 to 23.
The competing preparations have deepened divisions within the party. The dispute has spread to districts including Tanahun, Kailali, Gulmi, Udayapur, Dang and Bajhang, while a petition has been filed at the Supreme Court seeking to refer the convention dispute to a constitutional bench.
Deuba faction prepares for its convention
The Deuba faction, coordinated by Dr. Shashank Koirala, has formed committees to prepare for its planned convention. It has also handed details of 783,836 active members to the central election committee.
The faction has set nomination fees for party positions, including Rs 30,000 for candidates seeking the party president post.
Thapa faction plans Kathmandu opening
The establishment faction has formed 15 committees for its convention preparations, including a main organising committee led by Thapa. It has decided to inaugurate the convention at Tundikhel in Kathmandu.
The rival schedules and preparations have left the party facing the prospect of two separate general conventions as the dispute continues.
