KATHMANDU, Oct 14: The Nepali Congress (NC) has convened a Central Committee meeting to discuss political developments following the September 8–9 unrest. The session will begin at 1 PM on Tuesday at the party’s central office in Sanepa, Lalitpur.
During the September 9 incident, NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba and Central Committee member Arzu Rana were physically attacked. Since then, Deuba, a former prime minister, has mostly stayed out of the public eye. A close source said he is preparing to attend the meeting.
Deuba has not fully recovered from a neck injury sustained during the attack. “He plans to attend but is unlikely to stay long,” the source said, adding that he intends to deliver his remarks at the start before leaving. Vice President Purna Bahadur Khadka will continue the session.
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Deuba reportedly experiences dizziness and discomfort from his injuries. The source added that due to his health, he is unlikely to be active in regular party work. “It has not yet been decided whether he will officially delegate authority to the vice president or assign responsibilities temporarily,” the source said. Deuba is also considering going abroad for further treatment, depending on his doctors’ advice.
As per party rules, Deuba cannot seek re-election as president. He had announced his decision to step down before September 8, though recent political shifts have increased pressure for an earlier resignation.
General Secretaries Gagan Kumar Thapa and Bishwa Prakash Sharma, among others, favor holding a special general convention. They have campaigned across the country and plan to submit supporting signatures on Tuesday. According to NC statutes, a special convention can be called if at least 40 percent of general convention representatives request it, and it must be held within three months.
Leaders aligned with Shekhar Koirala argue that since four years will have passed by December—the month of the 14th general convention—the party should focus on holding a regular convention instead. District presidents and grassroots leaders also support this view, citing that many representatives’ terms are ending.
Leaders close to Deuba argue that holding a convention by December is unrealistic, as preparations should prioritize the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5 by the Sushila Karki-led government.
Amid differing opinions, Deuba had instructed senior leaders, through Vice President Khadka, to maintain party unity and forge a common understanding. However, despite long discussions among office bearers, former office bearers, and executive committee members, no consensus has been reached.
The meeting is expected to set the agenda for the party’s 15th General Convention. Deuba’s aides said the party aims to signal readiness to engage with the public. Though some leaders insist the party must remain open to potential parliament reinstatement, highlighting gaps in election preparedness.
Meanwhile, the Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) has called a meeting of its Executive Committee meeting on Wednesday to discuss the current political situation, RPP leader Mohan Shrestha said.
