Jul 24, Kathmandu - Elected representatives of the Nepali Congress who secured victories in the 2079 local elections have announced plans to organize a nationwide assembly to address internal party conflicts.

The leaders are scheduled to convene on Shrawan 16 at a gathering in Kathmandu. The move comes amid ongoing factional tensions within the party, especially following the special convention held last January, which was marked by divisions. Notably, the faction led by former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba did not participate in the convention and has been operating parallel activities by establishing contact offices in Chundevi.

The elected local leaders, including municipal mayors, deputy mayors, ward chairpersons, vice-chairpersons, and members, aim to pressure the party’s central leadership by uniting at this assembly.

A meeting held on Thursday at Gokarna Resort, presided over by Upreendra Karki, Mayor of Kageshwori Manohara Municipality, approved the plan for a national gathering. The leaders also intend to meet with senior party leaders to seek reconciliation and exert influence on party unity.

To coordinate the pressure campaign, the leaders appointed Bhim Prasad Dhuangana, Mayor of Nil Kantha Municipality in Dhading and the Central President of the Nepal Municipality Association, as the convener. Additionally, Laxmi Pandey, Chairperson of Hupsekot Rural Municipality and President of the Rural Municipalities Federation, was named co-convener.

The campaign’s organizers, led by Dhuangana, revealed that the gathering aims to discuss upcoming local and provincial elections and strengthen party unity. 

“Being active members of the same party, it is our duty to protect it. We are calling this assembly to unite the party and put pressure on the leadership,” Dhuangana stated. 

He emphasized that the gathering is not a factional event but a platform focused solely on the party’s interests. The leaders also plan to hold discussions with Party President Gagan Thapa and other senior leaders starting Friday to foster dialogue and address dissatisfaction.