KATHMANDU: A rival faction within the Nepali Congress has officially launched its preparations for the party’s 15th General Convention, inaugurating a contact office in Chundevi, Kathmandu.

Leader Min Bishwakarma said the office was inaugurated on Monday, followed by a meeting of the working committee elected during the 14th General Convention, which discussed contemporary political issues and preparations for the next convention.

According to Bishwakarma, outgoing Acting President Purna Bahadur Khadka briefed the meeting on past disputes surrounding proposals for a special and regular general convention. He said the group concluded that efforts by senior leaders over the past five months to prevent a party split had failed due to the stance of the establishment faction.

Bishwakarma said the working committee will meet again on July 7 to finalize the timetable for the 15th General Convention and decide on programs to mark BP Memorial Day on July 22. He said the contact office was established with the goal of making the next convention a “general convention of unity.”