Nepali Congress holds special convention amid deepening Intra-Party rift ahead of March Polls

Jan 12, 2026

Kathmandu (Nepal), Jan 12 (ANI): Amid a widening intra-party rift and the approaching election, the second special general convention of the Nepali Congress has begun in Kathmandu, drawing wide attention amid speculation over whether it signals party reform or a possible split. The two-day event began on Sunday afternoon with the active involvement of general secretaries Gagan Kumar Thapa and Bishwa Prakash Sharma. Acting party president and other senior party members abstained from the opening ceremony in protest. Hundreds of delegates and participants have arrived from across the country, bringing mixed emotions of hope and fear among cadres over generational change and the possibility of a split. However, the general secretaries ruled out any chance of a party split, saying the convention is a way to bring the party back on track. Violence erupted on September 9, leaving at least 76 people dead as mobs torched public and private property. The crackdown led to the resignation of former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak, while Prime Minister Oli refused to step down. On September 12, Sushila Karki was appointed interim prime minister and recommended dissolving Parliament and holding elections on March 5, 2026.