KATHMANDU: The establishment faction of the Nepali Congress has proposed holding the party’s 15th General Convention from May 8 to 11.

The decision was reached during a meeting of establishment-aligned central committee members held on Monday in New Baneshwor. The proposal comes amid an ongoing dispute within the party’s Central Working Committee over the timing of the convention.

While the rival faction has been demanding that the general convention be held by December, the establishment faction maintains that it should take place only after the House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5.

According to the decision, the establishment faction tabled seven major proposals.

First, the meeting urged all party units to stay active and prepare for participation in the upcoming House of Representatives election.

Second, it decided that the renewal and distribution of active party memberships should be completed by December 30, and that a nationwide door-to-door campaign should be conducted to mobilize members and recommend candidates for both direct and proportional categories of the federal parliament as well as the National Assembly.

Third, it proposed holding the 15th General Convention on May 8-11, immediately following the election.

Fourth, the meeting suggested that candidates for proportional representation and the National Assembly be chosen from among those party members who have not yet received any significant opportunity, excluding current and former office-bearers.

Fifth, the faction emphasized ensuring adequate representation of youths who have not been included in the Central Working Committee or the Parliamentary Committee.

Sixth, it called for the immediate formation of an Active Membership Scrutiny Committee to investigate and verify active memberships.

Finally, the seventh proposal recommended forming a Statute Amendment Committee to make necessary changes to the party charter.

The meeting’s resolutions are expected to intensify internal debates within the Nepali Congress over leadership, internal democracy, and the party’s future direction as it heads toward both the national election and the next general convention.