KATHMANDU: The opposition faction within the Nepali Congress is preparing to announce a separate timetable for the party’s 15th General Convention.

Dr Shashank Koirala, coordinator of the committee formed to prepare for the 15th General Convention, announced the decision in a press statement issued on Saturday.

Koirala said the legitimacy of the party’s Central Working Committee is currently under consideration by the Supreme Court and that the tenure of the existing committee is nearing its end under the party statute and Constitution.

He argued that holding the general convention is essential to strengthen the party ahead of the local-level elections scheduled for next April and the provincial assembly elections that will follow.

Koirala urged party members at all levels not to participate in convention-related activities organised by what he described as a “self-declared” committee formed through a purported special convention.

Instead, he called on them to prepare for the general convention to be organised by the legally recognised Central Working Committee elected by the 14th General Convention.

He said the timetable for the 15th General Convention will be announced shortly, after which the formal process will begin. The formation of committees for active membership management, membership scrutiny and elections will also proceed according to the predetermined schedule.

Koirala said his faction remains confident that it will receive justice from the court and pledged to move forward with restraint and patience rather than engaging in what he called politics of emotion, provocation and conspiracy.

He maintained that unless the court orders a halt to the general convention, the legally recognised Central Working Committee elected by the 14th General Convention will organise the 15th General Convention.

Koirala also expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives and property caused by the Bhotekoshi flood in Rasuwa on Bhadra 10. He urged the government to intensify efforts to locate missing people, conduct rescue operations and provide relief, while calling on party members at all levels to engage in humanitarian assistance.