Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: The three-day national gathering organized by the dissident faction of the Nepali Congress, which begins in Kathmandu on Friday, will not take any decision that could affect a court case concerning the legitimacy of the party’s current leadership.
Former party President Sher Bahadur Deuba is scheduled to inaugurate the gathering at 1 pm at Miracle Party Palace in Sukedhara. Shashank Koirala, coordinator of the National Gathering Organizing Committee, will chair the opening ceremony.
According to Min Bishwkarma, a dissident faction leader, the first day will feature the inauguration and addresses by various party leaders. “About 4,500 representatives are expected to attend the gathering. We have sent invitations to all party members, including general convention representatives,” he added.
Political, contemporary, organizational and economic proposals will be presented on the second day of the gathering, according to Bishwarma. “Representatives will hold extensive discussions on these proposals,” he added. “No committee will be formed at this stage. Since the case is under consideration by the court, no decision will be taken that could affect the case.”
He said all representatives, who want to see a unified NC, will participate in the gathering.
“Both sides are claiming that they are the legitimate leadership of the party. We are not satisfied with the situation regarding which side is legitimate,” Bishwakarma said.
Expressing dissatisfaction over the dispute concerning the party leadership’s legitimacy, he said the faction was moving forward from the situation as it stood on January 15.
A special general convention of the party held on January 15 elected a new Central Working Committee under Gagan Kumar Thapa.
The dissident faction has been insisting that the convention is unlawful and against the party statute.
