A Unified Mechanism Is Essential for Decisive General Convention and Broad Party Unity
The internal strife that began within the Nepali Congress after the special general convention remains unresolved even after four months, increasingly taking on the character of a power struggle. Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat, a leader of the Nepali Congress, emphasized the need for a unified mechanism to ensure the 15th general convention is fair and establishes broad party unity. Dr. Mahat also noted that there are no new achievements in the government’s policy and program, and there is no clear basis to expect a 7 percent economic growth rate. The internal conflict within the Nepali Congress that started after the special general convention persists. The dissatisfaction between the current leadership, established by the convention, and the faction that split off has evolved into a power struggle.
Despite attempts to convey messages of party unity and cooperation in public forums, the gap between the senior leaders has not narrowed. Recent activities seem to have made internal divisions even more apparent. Both sides within the party have yet to initiate formal dialogue or reach consensus to resolve the dispute. Rising mistrust and internal competition among leaders offer little hope for an early resolution of the conflict. In this context, journalist Keshav Sawad spoke with Congress leader and former Finance Minister Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat regarding party unity, the upcoming general convention, the government’s policy and program, and the forthcoming budget.
The establishment faction is conducting provincial meetings through the Policy, Research, and Training Institute. There was a dispute over whether to hold a regular general convention or a special one. The majority of us had decided to hold a regular general convention. Nevertheless, some members organized a special general convention, which the Election Commission and the courts subsequently validated. Although we believed that was unjustified, we accepted the legal endorsement. Because the special general convention did not have majority participation, the political issues have not been resolved. While legal and technical resolutions have occurred, the party has not attained unity.
Therefore, our goal is broad party unity. However, achieving this will not be easy. The party remains divided both psychologically and physically, facing a challenging situation. Even while confronting these challenges, if the Nepali Congress is to become a stronger, more empowered, and leading party, all factions must stand together. That does not mean simply accepting everything that has been said. I believe that the side currently in official leadership must create a foundation that incorporates all sentiments and successfully conducts the 15th general convention.
