KATHMANDU, OCTOBER 4 The 15th General Convention of the Nepali Congress (NC) began at Khulamanch in Kathmandu on Sunday under the slogan, 'Respect for tradition and resolve for change: NC as a strong alternative for prosperous Nepal.' NC President Gagan Kumar Thapa inaugurated the convention by watering a plant. The inaugural ceremony was attended by leaders of various political parties, including Rastriya Swatantra Party President Rabi Lamichhane, CPN (Maoist Centre) Coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal, CPN-UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel, Rastriya Prajatantra Party Chair Rajendra Lingden and former prime minister Baburam Bhattarai. Guest speakers are addressing the inaugural session. The closed-door session and other programmes are scheduled for Monday and Tuesday. According to the Central Election Committee, elections for the party's new leadership are scheduled for October 4 and 5.