Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: The dissident faction of the Nepali Congress (NC), led by former President Sher Bahadur Deuba, has proposed holding the party’s 15th General Convention on December 7-9 in Kathmandu.
The faction proposed the new dates to counter the party’s 15th General Convention, scheduled to be held in Kathmandu from October 2 to 5. The party establishment has already initiated preparations for the 15th General Convention.
According to a proposal submitted during a meeting of the dissident faction’s 15th General Convention Preparation Committee held in Chundevi, Kathmandu, on Wednesday, ward conventions will be held on October 2, local-level conventions on October 7, provincial and federal constituency conventions on October 10, district conventions on November 1, and provincial conventions on November 20.
Earlier, the dissident faction had filed a petition at the Supreme Court, demanding a halt to all activities related to the party’s 15th General Convention. The dissident faction prepared its own schedule for the General Convention after the top court refused to issue a stay order on the convention-related activities.
The dissident faction has refused to recognize the new Central Working Committee under Gagan Kumar Thapa, elected by the party’s Special General Convention. It has challenged the Election Commission’s decision to recognize the Thapa-led Central Working Committee. The case is sub judice.
With the dissident faction announcing separate dates for the 15th General Convention, party cadres and leaders have started fearing for the party’s unity.
