Nepali Congress considers structure changes as leaders announce bids

The Nepali Congress is reviewing proposals to enlarge its central committee and office-bearer positions during its ongoing 15th general convention in Kathmandu. A draft committee led by General Secretary Pradeep Poudel has prepared changes that would bring the total number of central members to 231, with 61 members designated for nomination by the party president. Discussions also include creating an additional vice-president role alongside the existing two, and introducing an open category for joint general secretary positions. During the convention, held under the slogan of respecting tradition and embracing transformation for a prosperous nation, party leaders have begun declaring their candidacies. Central member Abdul Sattar announced his candidacy for joint general secretary under the Muslim cluster during a morning press meeting. Similarly, former district party president for Chitwan, Bikash Koirala, declared his candidacy for the joint general secretary post, stating an intention to guide the party through renewal and fresh perspectives. Additional candidacies have emerged from regional representatives and former student leaders. Rita Khanal, a convention representative from Makwanpur constituency 1, stated her intention to contest for the joint general secretary position and appealed for votes from delegates. Rajiv Dhungana, a central member and former president of the Nepal Students Association who assumed that student leadership role in Magh 2076, also announced his bid for joint general secretary. Following a central working committee meeting, the closed session schedule includes a political report presentation by party president Gagan Kumar Thapa and a constitutional amendment proposal presented by the general secretary. Delegates are set to deliberate on these reports and proposals throughout the convention, which runs until 22 Ashwin in Kathmandu.