Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: The 2nd Special General Convention of the Nepali Congress (NC) kicked off in Kathmandu on Sunday.
Speaking at the inaugural session, leaders raised serious questions about the party leadership and called for organisational transformation, a clear policy direction, and new leadership. Here is what they said:
The leadership failed to learn lessons from history. Factionalism, encirclement politics, and the dominance of a “kitchen cabinet” have weakened the NC. The special convention must outline a clear roadmap for both policy and leadership.
Sita Sapkota
Former chair, Nepali People’s Liaison Forum
The special convention will be decisive in giving the party new momentum. There is a need for serious discussions in the closed-door session, with the participation of all sides, on the party’s future course, policies, and programs.
Amarsingh Pun
President, Lumbini Province Committee
The leadership ignored the sentiments of party workers. Even the innocent faces of representatives who have come from across the country have failed to stir the conscience of the leadership.
Sunil Sharma
Former lawmaker from Morang
The leadership cannot remain stubborn. The decisions of the special convention must be implemented. The party should move forward in line with its procedures and statute. It is time the leadership was handed over to the younger generation.
Gopalman Shrstha
Former Vice President
Baitadi Congress president Chaturbahadur Chand remarked that the NC had been in a comatose state for the past four months. Campaigners of the special convention, including general secretaries Gagan Kumar Thapa and Bishwo Prakash Sharma, deserve respect for showing the courage to revive the party.
Chatur Bahadur Chand
President, Baitadi District Committee
The debate we are seeing within the party is not infighting but the initial phase of transformation. The visible discord was part of a process that will ultimately strengthen the party.
Devraj Chalise
General Convention Representative
The responsibility of building a broader and prouder NC has now fallen on the shoulders of general secretaries Gagan Thapa and Bishwo Prakash Sharma.
Tirtha Lama
President, Kavre District Committee
Those who threw stones at us would be answered with flowers. The NC can no longer remain in a status quo. I request the party president and the acting president not to ignore the special convention.
Guru Raj Ghimire
Leader
The Gen Z movement alerted the party to the fact that its leadership had gone astray over the past 35 years. There is a need to bring the younger generation forward in politics. The two general secretaries must give the party new momentum and direction.
Binod Chaudhary
Industrialist and former lawmaker
