KATHMANDU: Rival factions within the Nepali Congress are preparing to table separate proposals for the party’s 15th General Convention, with the establishment faction favoring a date after the national elections and the rival camp pushing for one beforehand.

A Central Working Committee meeting scheduled for 1 p.m. today is expected to see both sides present their respective proposals.

The establishment Deuba-faction plans to propose holding the convention in May, after the elections.

The proposal is expected to be presented by one of three senior leaders — Umakanta Chaudhary, Kishor Singh Rathor, or Mahendra Yadav.

Meanwhile, the opposing faction — represented by General Secretaries Gagan Kumar Thapa and Bishwo Prakash Sharma — is preparing to propose holding the convention before the elections.

Earlier this week, 59 members of the Deuba faction leaders met to discuss strategy. Of them, 40 plus leaders voiced their opinions during the meeting, according to one participant.

The majority reportedly argued that holding the general convention before the elections could lead to internal rifts and betrayals, as seen in past contests, and suggested that unity should be prioritized until after the vote.

However, central committee member Guru Ghimire, who supports the demand for a special convention, said the party remains divided over whether to hold it before or after the elections.

He accused the establishment faction of being trapped in a “parliament restoration mindset,” suggesting it is reluctant to take decisive steps before the vote.

Ghimire added that the rival camp has floated either late December or early January as possible dates, while the Deuba faction — noting that the government has already announced national elections for March 5 next year—is pushing to postpone the convention to May.

As a result, both sides are expected to submit separate proposals at the meeting.