Nepali Congress to Hold National Convention Under Shashank’s Leadership

Nepali Congress is set to hold its national convention on 29 Shrawan, with former General Secretary Shashank Koirala leading the preparations.

Speaking at a press conference in Chandan Devi on Saturday, Koirala said that the party has finalized its preparations for the national convention, which will conclude by 31 Shrawan.

Incumbent President Sher Bahadur Deuba and senior leader Shekhar Koirala are expected to attend the convention. A 551-member committee has been formed under Shashank’s leadership to oversee the event.

Shashank revealed that Shekhar’s faction has agreed to participate in the convention, citing the senior leader’s apology for not being able to attend the press conference due to his busy schedule.

“He has apologized for not being able to attend the press conference, saying he is busy,” Koirala said.

The national convention comes after the party’s special general convention on 27 Pous, which was attended by neither Deuba nor Shekhar’s faction. The party is now under pressure to chart a new course.

Koirala attributed the need for a new direction to President Gagan Thapa’s apparent reluctance to work towards party unity.

Deuba’s faction includes veteran leaders such as former Vice-President Purna Bahadur Khadka, former General Secretary Krishna Prasad Sitaula, Prakash Man Singh, former Vice-President Bimalendra Nidhi, and Bijay Kumar Gachhadar.

The announcement of the national convention was made by another group on 6 Shrawan, coinciding with BP Memorial Day.