KATHMANDU: The Sher Bahadur Deuba faction of the Nepali Congress has urged its leaders and cadres not to participate in any activities related to the 15th general convention scheduled to begin on September 20.

During a press conference held in Chundevi on Monday, Dr. Shashank Koirala, coordinator of the rival faction, issued the appeal against the convention organized by the establishment faction.

Koirala called on party members to instead focus on the schedule announced by the leadership elected during the 14th general convention, which includes ward-level conventions starting from October 2 and a central general convention set for December 7, 8, and 9.

The establishment faction had previously announced its own schedule, beginning with ward conventions on Sept 20 and a central convention in Kathmandu from October 3 to Oct 6.

Koirala emphasized that the issue regarding the party’s official legitimacy is currently sub judice at the Supreme Court. He stated, ‘It is not appropriate in any way to proceed unilaterally without waiting for the decision of the Supreme Court or suspending the unilaterally announced schedule to seek a solution through dialogue.’ The rival faction has refused to recognize the leadership of Gagan Thapa, which emerged from a special general convention.

Koirala alleged that previous attempts to foster consensus and unity were ignored. He argued that focusing on power-sharing rather than political agreement undermines the party’s history and democratic values. He claimed that the leadership resulting from the special general convention appears intent on institutionalizing a split within the party rather than fostering unity.

He concluded by asserting that the party can only be strengthened by adhering to its rules, regulations, and legal legitimacy. He maintained that the convention scheduled by his side for December remains the only legitimate process.