KATHMANDU: Amid growing internal dissatisfaction and policy disagreements within the ruling Nepali Congress, party President Sher Bahadur Deuba convened a meeting of party office-bearers on Friday morning at his residence in Budhanilkantha.

Ministers from the Nepali Congress who are currently part of the coalition government were also summoned to the meeting.

The agenda of the meeting included a broad review of party leadership’s functioning, performance of ministers in the government, and rising frustration among Congress leaders over various issues.

Key among them were the rift over the Land Reform Bill and deep dissatisfaction with the amendment proposal to remove the ‘cooling period’ provision in the Civil Service Bill.

Recently, five CPN-UML lawmakers registered an amendment in the National Assembly to remove the ‘cooling period’ clause from the Civil Service Bill, which had already passed the House of Representatives. The move has sparked strong opposition within the Nepali Congress.

Congress leader Arjun Narsingh KC publicly criticized the UML’s move, calling it “unethical.”

Senior leader Shekhar Koirala also expressed his discontent. During the meeting, Congress leaders termed the UML lawmakers’ amendment “objectionable.”

Speaking to journalists after the meeting, KC reiterated that the UML’s amendment proposal regarding the ‘cooling period’ was deemed inappropriate by the party.

KC also confirmed that internal disagreements over the proposed Land Reform Bill were raised during the meeting.

Some Congress leaders argued that the bill could negatively impact Dalits, marginalized groups, and ordinary citizens, and suggested a thorough review was necessary.

The meeting also saw concerns raised about the performance of Congress ministers in the government. However, KC clarified that no formal discussion was held on reshuffling ministers.

“It was a general discussion. The conclusion was that the party should move forward in a united manner. However, no in-depth or policy-level decisions were made,” KC said.