KATHMANDU, JANUARY 13

Nepali Congress leader Shyam Ghimire said that dialogues among party leaders on pressing issues, in the wake of the special general convention, were progressing toward a consensus. "The talks were held in a positive manner," he asserted.

Ahead of the central committee meeting at the party's central office in Sanepa, Ghimire, a member of the establishment faction led by party President Sher Bahadur Deuba, stated that several rounds of discussions had been held to resolve longstanding issues within the party.

"Discussions are ongoing. We believe a consensus will be reached by tonight," he said, adding that the party would be kept intact.

Ghimire further explained that the central working committee meeting had been delayed due to continued dialogues between the two factions-the establishment and the group advocating for a special general convention. The meeting, originally scheduled for 1:00 am on Tuesday, had not commenced at the time of reporting.

The special general convention, being held over three days in the federal capital, Kathmandu, demands the removal of President Deuba in light of the changed political context.

General Secretaries Gagan Thapa and Bishwo Prakash Sharma spearheaded the initiative for the special convention. During a closed session, they presented two separate proposals addressing broader issues, including party organization and leadership, which were subsequently discussed in groups by the participants.

Although the election committee constituted under the special general convention had announced plans to release the election schedule, it is reported to have been postponed recently.

Dozens of leaders-even those who were once ardent supporters of President Deuba-expressed sympathy for the General Secretaries' push for new leadership. The General Secretaries have been demanding that the party President address the issues raised and take responsibility for the special general convention.