After holding discussions for three days at their newly established contact office in Chundevi, Kathmandu, leaders from the faction of former Nepali Congress president Sher Bahadur Deuba have concluded that broader party unity is their top priority.
While former prime minister Deuba is currently in Hong Kong for medical treatment, the faction has been led by former acting president Purna Bahadur Khadka. According to leaders, the discussions were held under Khadka’s leadership after opening the office in Chundevi.
Most of the leaders from the Deuba faction, who did not participate in the special general convention held in January, attended these discussions. Khadka received support and cooperation from key leaders including Bimalendra Nidhi, Prakash Man Singh, Shashank Koirala, and Krishna Prasad Sitaula for holding the discussions.
The meetings were attended by former office-bearers, former central members, and the provincial presidents of Sudur Paschim and Karnali.
Announcing the conclusion of the three-day discussions, former publicity department chief Min Bahadur Bishwakarma emphasized that party unity remains their top priority.
"We held discussions from July 6 to 8 at the contact office, which was opened to prepare for the 15th general convention. The meeting was chaired by former acting president Khadka, where former office-bearers and central members presented their views,” he said. “Overall, the conclusion is that party unity is the top priority."
Leaders have said that party President Gagan Thapa should take the initiative for party unity.
"The conclusion of the discussions is that the 15th general convention should be held based on the active memberships finalized as of December 25, when current President Gagan Thapa was the general secretary," Bishwakarma said. “"Our position is that the previous active members should be recognized rather than focusing on updates."
Around 600,000 active members who renewed their membership by December 25 have already submitted additional details and updated their records with the party.
"During the discussions, some colleagues also suggested that if an agreement cannot be reached on party unity and holding the general convention based on the previous active members, we should explore alternatives too," Bishwakarma said.
The decisions of the meeting chaired by Khadka have not yet been made public.
According to Bishwakarma, they are preparing to hold a press conference to announce the conclusions and decisions. However, it has been decided that BP Memorial Day will be observed on July 22, he added.
Bishwakarma also said that the leaders have agreed in principle to call a national gathering.
"Taking the weather into consideration, there has been an agreement in principle to hold a national gathering within the month of Shrawan. However, decisions regarding the venue and the basis for participation will need to be taken after discussion at the leadership level," he said.
There have been calls for a national gathering within the Deuba faction, which has already held provincial gatherings.
