Himal Hub/ The Nepali Congress has entered a crucial stage of its 15th General Convention, with representatives beginning closed-session discussions on key political, organisational and contemporary issues.
The closed session began a day after the convention was formally inaugurated at Khulamanch in Kathmandu. The event was originally scheduled for October 2 but was postponed by two days due to persistent rainfall across the country.
Around 7,500 representatives are taking part in the convention. For the closed-door discussions, delegates have been divided into three groups representing the Mountain, Hill and Tarai-Madhes regions.
The discussions will focus on three major proposals. Party President Gagan Kumar Thapa has presented the political report, while General Secretary Pradip Paudel has tabled proposals related to the party statute and organisational structure. Vice-President Bishwa Prakash Sharma has presented a proposal covering contemporary political and national issues.
According to party spokesperson Devaraj Chalise, Monday’s meeting also marked the final meeting of the current Central Working Committee, which was formed during the special general convention held from January 12 to 17.
The convention is also considering changes to the party’s organisational structure, including a proposal to increase the number of vice-presidents to three and general secretaries to three. The proposed changes will be finalised after deliberations and approval by the representatives.
The convention is taking place without the participation of the faction led by former party president Sher Bahadur Deuba, adding another layer of political significance to the gathering.
Meanwhile, preparations for the election of the new Central Working Committee have moved into the next stage. Candidate nominations are scheduled for October 6, with candidates allowed to withdraw their nominations until 9 am on October 7. Election campaigning will continue throughout October 7.
Voting for the new Central Working Committee is scheduled for October 7 and 8.
Party leaders have described the convention as a significant moment for the Nepali Congress, particularly because of the growing involvement of younger members. Spokesperson Chalise said around 44,000 youths from the new generation have assumed responsibilities within the party, while more than 7,000 representatives selected with their participation are attending the convention.
