Kathmandu, August 16, 2026: The opposition faction of the Nepali Congress has passed five proposals at its three-day national conference held from August 14 to 16. The proposals cover the party’s 15th General Convention, constitutional amendment, national unity and democracy, religion and culture, and the process for formally documenting the decisions and suggestions presented at the conference.
The conference decided that preparations for the Nepali Congress’s 15th General Convention would be coordinated by former General Secretary Dr. Shashank Koirala under the direction of former party president Sher Bahadur Deuba.
According to the decision, regular party activities leading up to the 15th General Convention will also be coordinated by the chairperson of the national gathering and conference organizing committee under Deuba’s direction.
The conference further decided that the party would engage in dialogue with national and democratic forces and work toward strengthening nationalism and democracy.
Five Major Proposals
1. Holding the 15th General Convention:
The conference resolved that the 15th General Convention would be organized by the Central Working Committee elected by the 14th General Convention. It expressed confidence that the convention would be possible under the leadership of Sher Bahadur Deuba and that the party would remain united under his leadership until the 15th General Convention.
2. National unity and democratic strengthening:
Referring to B.P. Koirala’s return to Nepal in 2033 BS under his policy of national unity and reconciliation amid a national crisis, the conference said the country is once again facing a difficult situation. It decided to engage in dialogue with national and democratic forces to strengthen nationalism and democracy.
3. Religion, culture and national identity:
The conference said Nepal’s long-standing religious and cultural traditions are part of the country’s national identity. It pledged to protect religious tolerance, social harmony and religious freedom, while also protecting Hindu, Buddhist, Kirat and other indigenous religious traditions. It expressed a commitment to advancing the country by recognizing Sanatan Dharma as part of Nepal’s national identity.
4. Constitutional amendment:
The conference decided that necessary amendments to the current Constitution, in line with public expectations, would be addressed through dialogue with all concerned stakeholders in accordance with the constitutional process.
5. Documentation of conference proposals:
A committee led by Central Working Committee member N.P. Saud, with members Umakanta Chaudhary and Sita Rana, and assistance from Min Bahadur Bishwakarma and Dipak Prasad Kuikel, has been assigned to prepare the final written document incorporating the proposals and suggestions presented at the Nepali Congress national conference held on August 5 and 6, along with necessary revisions.
Shashank Koirala to Coordinate 15th General Convention
The opposition faction has formally entrusted former General Secretary Dr. Shashank Koirala with coordinating preparations for the 15th General Convention under Deuba’s direction.
Koirala had been appointed coordinator of the faction’s national gathering. The three-day gathering under his coordination concluded in Kathmandu on Sunday.
Dispute Breaks Out During Closing Ceremony
A dispute broke out during the closing ceremony of the national gathering when senior leader Bimalendra Nidhi attempted to take over the proceedings while the event coordinator was announcing the decisions.
According to reports, Nidhi asked the event coordinator to move aside so that he could announce the decisions himself. Leader Prakash Sharan Mahat then pushed Nidhi away, leading to a brief confrontation.
Nidhi returned to the podium and continued arguing with the coordinator. Mahat and Shankar Bhandari subsequently approached the podium and exchanged words with Nidhi.
The situation eventually calmed after Mahat asked Nidhi not to prolong the dispute and to return to his seat.
The disagreement reportedly arose after Nidhi objected to the wording concerning the body responsible for organizing the 15th General Convention.
Deuba Says He Is a Hindu and Supports Religious Freedom
Speaking at the closing ceremony, former party president and former prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba said he is a Hindu and has followed Hindu traditions throughout his life.
Deuba said his Bratabandha ceremony and marriage were conducted according to Hindu traditions and that he visits the Pashupatinath temple.
“I am a Hindu. I follow Hinduism and I have the freedom to speak about my religion,” Deuba said.
However, he clarified that identifying himself as a Hindu does not mean opposing other religions.
He said Muslims and Christians, as well as followers of other religions, should have the same freedom to practice their faith. Deuba emphasized that he believes in complete religious freedom in Nepal and said he has always respected people of different religions.
Deuba said he clarified his personal religious beliefs after a party worker handed him a written request asking him to speak about the issue of a Sanatan Hindu state.
He also said that what kind of state Nepal should have ultimately depends on the people, while stressing the importance of religious freedom.
Deuba Says He Has Faith in the Courts
Addressing the closing ceremony, Deuba also accused the party establishment of holding a special General Convention in a forceful manner and excluding many party leaders and members unfairly.
Deuba said he had opposed holding the special convention without the agreement of all party members.
He said those who felt they had been treated unfairly had approached the court and that the final decision from the judiciary was still pending.
“I have faith that I will get justice from the court,” Deuba said, adding that he did not want to comment extensively on an ongoing judicial matter before the full decision was delivered.
Deuba also recalled previous instances in which Nepal’s courts had provided him with legal protection, including during periods when he had been detained by the monarchy and during the Panchayat era.
He said the judiciary had once again protected him and played a role in enabling his return to Nepal.
Post a Comment