Bhimsengola: The anti-establishment faction within the Nepali Congress (NC) has initiated legal consultations regarding the possibility of convening a special general convention. This comes as differing opinions have emerged 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. During this event, NC leaders, advocates, and legal experts shared their views on the legitimacy of a special general convention, its political necessity, and the internal democratic processes within the party.
NC leader Devraj Chalise emphasized the importance of the central committee recognizing the significance of the signatures collected in support of a 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, remarked that the NC appears to be veering towards an anti-democratic political stance. He highlighted the need for the party to regain its ideological clarity.
Senior advocate Radheshyam Adhikari pointed out that the NC statute clearly provides for a special general convention if demanded by over 40 percent of general convention members through their signatures. He also underscored the need to explore political solutions to the issue in addition to legal avenues.
Former Chairperson of the Nepal Bar Association, Prem Bahadur Khadka, argued that the special general convention should take place before the upcoming general convention. He expressed that the coalition with the Maoists could be harmful to the NC in the long term, leading to increased discontent within the party.
The event was attended by NC central members, general convention members, and province and district presidents.