Kathmandu: The anti-establishment faction within the Nepali Congress (NC) is actively engaging in legal consultations concerning the possibility of a special general convention. This comes as opinions diverge within the party on whether to proceed with a regular or special general convention.
According to National News Agency Nepal, a program titled ‘Legal consultation related to special general convention’ was held at Ananda Events in Bhimsengola, where NC leaders, advocates, and legal experts deliberated on the legitimacy, political necessity, and internal democratic processes associated with organizing a special general convention.
NC leader Devraj Chalise emphasized the importance of the central committee recognizing the significance of the signatures collected in support of the special convention. He stated, “The party should be governed as per its statute. This is what the essence of internal democracy.”
Former President of the Nepal Democratic Lawyers Association, Upendra Keshari Neupane, expressed concerns about the NC’s current political trajectory, suggesting that the party is veering towards an anti-democratic stance. He stressed the importance of realigning the party with its ideological foundations.
Senior advocate Radheshyam Adhiakri highlighted a provision in the NC statute that allows for a special general convention to be convened if more than 40 percent of general convention members sign in favor. He advocated for a political, as well as legal, resolution to the ongoing debate.
Prem Bahadur Khadka, former Chairperson of the Nepal Bar Association, insisted that the special general convention should take place before the next general convention. He argued that the NC’s coalition with the Maoists could harm the party’s interests and has contributed to growing discontent among its members.
The event was attended by NC central members, general convention members, as well as province and district presidents, underscoring the significance of the issue within the party.