KATHMANDU: Nepali Congress leaders have expressed doubts about whether the parliamentary elections scheduled for March 5, 2026, will actually take place.

During Friday’s meeting of the party’s Working Committee at the central office, several leaders voiced skepticism about the political and judicial environment.

Speaking at the meeting, senior leader Krishna Prasad Sitaula questioned whether the court, which he said was institutionally and morally weakened, would be able to rule in favor of reinstating Parliament if a writ petition was filed.

“The court stands over ashes — how can it decide on restoring Parliament? Judges today are not in a position to make such a decision,” one leader quoted Sitaula as saying.

Sitaula also expressed doubt that elections would be held on schedule and suggested that the party should treat the period as an opportunity to reconnect with the people.

“I don’t believe elections will happen in five months, but this gives us a chance to engage with the public,” he said.
He also questioned President Ram Chandra Paudel’s recent political role, asking, “Why were individuals, rather than political parties, invited for talks?”

Leader Prakash Man Singh voiced distrust toward the current government led by Sushila Karki, which was formed in the wake of the Gen Z movement. However, he emphasized that the Nepali Congress should not avoid elections, saying, “Even under a caretaker prime minister who was also the chief justice, we must face elections.”

Singh criticized the internal divisions in the party and the ongoing signature campaign for a special convention, remarking, “A divided Congress cannot face this challenge. Just because the statute allows it doesn’t mean it’s the right time to invoke such provisions.”

He also vented frustration toward General Secretaries Gagan Thapa and Bishwo Prakash Sharma: “The country and the party are in crisis, yet our general secretaries are busy collecting signatures for a special convention.”

Leader Uma Regmi called for action against those “misusing the name of the Gen-Z movement” for political gain.
After the meeting, party spokesperson Prakash Sharan Mahat told reporters that Saturday’s meeting would finalize agendas for the Central Committee meeting beginning on October 12.

Responding to questions about the special convention campaign, he said, “The party is under attack. Attempts are being made to weaken democratic forces. We must move forward united, not divided.”

Deputy General Secretary Mahalaxmi Upadhyay Dina said the upcoming Central Committee meeting will focus on three key agendas: preparations for the regular convention, election readiness, and analysis of the Gen Z uprising and the party’s future course.