The Congress has been plunged into internal conflict due to the general convention controversy. With the upcoming House of Representatives elections on Falgun 21 approaching, further crisis has emerged within the party.

Party general secretaries Gagan Thapa and Bishwaprakash Sharma have formally called for a special general convention on 27-28 Poush with a demand for a change in leadership. On the other hand, the Central Working Committee has already passed the schedule for the 15th general convention on 28-31 Baisakh.

Some leaders and cadres within the party are opposing the efforts of the general secretaries who have been trying to return the party to the rules, statutes and political dynamics after the Gen-G movement of Bhadra 23 and 24, while some are supporting them.

How have the leaders and cadres within the Congress and Gen-G leaders taken this situation in the Congress?

Gen-G Youth Mobilization Coordinator of the Special General Convention Management Sub-committee, Sachit Timalsina, says that a change is needed in the party as the old leadership is entrenched, blocking the way for new people and new ideas to enter the leadership level. "Although the Nepali Congress has historically been a democratic party, its internal operations have become extremely undemocratic and opaque. There are major weaknesses in the party's organization and ticket distribution system," he says.

He alleges that the current leadership of the party is completely alienated from the new environment of modern society, technology, and development. He expressed dissatisfaction with the leadership's unilateral decisions against the wishes and thoughts of the people.

Some believe that the Congress is heading towards a split even after the UML and other parties have held their general conventions and are preparing for their elections. But Sachin says that such a step is necessary even at this challenging moment. "The current system of the party has deprived the younger generation from taking a direct part in policy making." New and fresh ideas from outside the party are not easily able to enter, which is why the party is becoming more stagnant,' he says, 'Therefore, a change in both policy and leadership is necessary to improve the Congress.'

Congress youth leader Amrit Gyawali considers a special general convention to be the right path. According to him, 54 percent of the general convention delegates have called for a general convention based on Article 17 (2) of the constitution after the leadership was not ready to go to the 15th general convention. He argues that in the changing context after the Genji movement of Bhadra 23 and 24, political parties, especially the Congress, should be reorganized as a transformed political party.

'The message that youth who will build a new future should come to the leadership will be successful only after a new leadership is established from the general convention,' he says. He objects to the fact that the party has been holding meetings for weeks and months but has not been able to draw any concrete conclusions. ‘The movement’s mandate and the demands of the time require us to go to the people with new leadership and comprehensive reforms. This movement should be seen as a demand of the general Congress workers,’ she added.

Gen-G leader Raksha Bam had mentioned on Tuesday on social media Facebook that the youth would be betrayed if there was no special Congress convention. Stating that Nepali politics had gone beyond the normal process after Bhadra 23, she said that extraordinary decisions were necessary in extraordinary circumstances.

‘At this time, you are divided into two camps within your own party on the issue of a special convention or a regular convention. We are clear that those of you who are choosing the status quo in the name of a regular convention are rejecting our movement,’ she wrote while addressing the Congress members. ‘On Bhadra 23, even Gen-G friends within the Congress took to the streets demanding change.’ They are still speaking in favor of change today and it seems like you are trying to silence that voice too.'

In the context of the approaching elections, she has mentioned that today's decision of the Congress will determine the political direction of the party tomorrow.

Gen-G leader Tanuja Pandey also takes the concept of a special general convention put forward by Gagan Thapa and Bishwaprakash Sharma positively. According to her, the debate on generational transfer and 'can it be done or not' was already going on within the party, but now its need has increased. She describes the Nepali Congress as a 'social capital' and adds, 'Society and political history have invested in this party.' Therefore, the party should not be allowed to become someone's 'private limited' company.'

Tanuja understands that waiting for a regular general convention is supporting the status quo. 'Which can be fatal for the Congress and the entire society. A special general convention must be held to improve the Congress,' she says.

Although Gagan and Bishwaprakash took a big risk in their political careers by raising the issue of a special general convention, she says that such a risk is necessary for the transformation of society and the party. She emphasizes that not only a change in the face or leadership but also a change in the party's system is needed. 'Those who do not accept the internal democracy of the party cannot be expected to save the country's democracy.' Therefore, this special general convention is not just an internal matter of the Congress but a matter of concern for everyone who believes in democracy,' she analyzes.