In the context of the failure to hold a regular general convention, the deadline set by the statute having passed, and growing dissatisfaction with the leadership and policies, polarization has increased within the Congress regarding the special general convention.

General Secretaries Gagan Thapa and Bishwaprakash Sharma have decided to call a special general convention on Poush 27-29. Leader in favor of the special general convention Subhash Pokharel claims that this issue is not a question of individual desires or power struggles but a question of the supremacy of the constitution, responsible governance and protecting the party from chaos. He says that the Congress will not be able to face the anger of the people if it does not reconsider its policies and leadership before the elections. In this context, Kantipur's Kulchandra Neupane Pokharel spoke to:

What is the main objective of today's press conference?

The central committee should call a special general convention by Poush 28. We have also submitted a memorandum. The general secretaries have also committed to addressing this demand and trying to call it unanimously if possible. But this is a binding provision of Article 17 of the statute. The central committee must accept our demand and accept the supremacy of the statute. This is a question of the supremacy of the statute and responsible governance. It is not a matter of anyone's will or will. If this is not accepted, the party will go towards anarchy, the law will be disregarded and ultimately the rule of force will prevail.

What if the party does not call it institutionally?

It is okay if the general secretaries call it, because according to the statute, there is a provision for the 'center' to call it. The center is the general secretary, president and office bearers. We, the supporters of the special general convention, do not see the center as divided. We consider everyone equal. We are confident that the president will not take an unpleasant decision at the last minute, but will try to reach a consensus. But this is a binding arrangement, it cannot be stopped by consensus. We do not know why there was confusion between the president and the general secretaries. They should communicate with us. There is discussion in the special general convention, but not division.

Does it also mean that a regular general convention can still be held?

No, a regular general convention is now unacceptable. Both policy and leadership should be changed before the elections. We do not accept the regular general convention held after the elections.

Can a special general convention called by one party change the leadership?

Of course it can. It changes the party's policies, reviews and approves the decisions of the general committee. It improves the structure of the statute. When we demanded a special general convention, we registered a four-point agenda. Statute review, policy and leadership changes, organizational structure reform, and analysis of the current political situation. Now, this is what the special general convention will do.

What happens if the majority of the general convention delegates is not reached?

We did not seek only 51 percent. Currently, 54 percent of friends have signed, and this number will increase. Friends are more dissatisfied with the random names in the proportional list and the management of relatives and donors. Even if it reaches 60-66 percent, we invite the remaining friends. There is competition in the selection of leadership, but it does not divide the party. In the past, even when there was a competition between Sher Bahadur-Shekhar or Ram Chandra-Sher Bahadur, the Congress was not divided. 

The establishment party has called this a gathering of a group, not a special general convention, right? 

The Congress is a party of well-wishers and intellectuals. They get angry when the statute is violated. This is a special general convention that is held through a legal process. 

Which of the policies and leadership of the special general convention is more emphasized?

Both. A clear position should be taken on many issues like alliances, socialist programs, social democracy, good governance, and the Genji movement. The special general convention is not just a leadership selection, but a platform to listen to the views of friends from all over the country and have a comprehensive discussion.