KATHMANDU: The ongoing dispute within the Nepali Congress (NC) over the timing and modality of its general convention is nearing resolution, according to the party’s Publicity Department Chief, Min Bahadur Bishwakarma.
In an interview with Himal Press, Bishwakarma dismissed media portrayals of deep division in the party, stating the discussions were intense but normal and that members were moving closer to consensus.
“From the outside, it may appear as if the party is facing a major rift. But internally, the discussions are part of a healthy democratic process,” Bishwakarma said. “We are now closer to agreement than to disagreement.”
The ongoing Central Working Committee meeting of the party has seen differing opinions among office bearers, particularly between the General Secretary and Joint General Secretary, over whether to hold a special convention or a regular one, and whether it should take place before or after the upcoming elections.
Initially, some members proposed a special convention, while others argued for a regular convention since the leadership’s tenure has already ended. Another faction suggested postponing the convention until after the elections to avoid internal disruptions.
“Now, the idea of a special convention is off the table. We are only discussing whether to hold the regular convention before or after the elections,” Bishwakarma explained. He added that the party was nearing an agreement to begin preparations for the convention before the elections but suspend the process temporarily if elections are held on schedule.
Commenting on recent youth-led protests demanding leadership transfer within the party, Bishwakarma described the demonstrations as a spontaneous display rather than a structured movement. “It was not an organised movement with a defined agenda. It was more of a sudden expression of frustration, mainly against the privileges of political elites and the issue of corruption,” he said.
Bishwakarma maintained that the party has already initiated generational change through the appointment of a younger acting president. “There is already a 12–14-year age gap between the top leaders. The transition has begun, and the upcoming convention will provide a legitimate and democratic opportunity for further change,” he said.
Rejecting speculation that the internal dispute could lead to a split, Bishwakarma likened the situation to a sporting contest where challenges make the team stronger. “There is no reason to panic. Disagreement over the timing of the convention is a procedural issue, not a cause for division,” he said. “Party splits have proven disastrous in the past, both for us and for others. NC will not split, and we will not allow it to.”
Responding to a question on whether elections will be held as scheduled on March 5, Bishwakarma said the NC is not in government and thus lacks direct control over the electoral process. “The government seems reluctant to hold elections, and rising criminal activity adds to the uncertainty,” he said. “Still, the NC believes elections must happen on schedule to bring the constitution back on track.”
