KATHMANDU: Nepali Congress leader Ramesh Lekhak has warned that the party faces an inevitable split if the ongoing general convention process is not immediately halted. Speaking to party workers in Dodhara-Chandani, Kanchanpur, Lekhak stated that his faction remains committed to maintaining party unity through maximum flexibility.

Lekhak argued that the current crisis stems from the removal of the 14th general convention’s working committee through a special general convention. He proposed resolving the dispute by integrating the working committees formed by both conventions. Clarifying that their faction does not seek the removal of party president Gagan Thapa, he stated, ‘We are trying to unite the party while accepting Gagan ji as the president, but it is not working out yet.’

He proposed including leaders from the 14th general convention who were not represented in the special convention into the central working committee. To address concerns regarding President Thapa potentially losing his majority, Lekhak offered a solution where their side would assist in maintaining his majority by adding necessary members.

Regarding key committees, including the election committee, active membership investigation committee, and disciplinary committee, Lekhak suggested that while President Thapa could retain his majority and appoint coordinators, one representative from the other faction should be included in each. He noted that they have been working continuously for 11 months to preserve unity and believe a solution is still possible.

Lekhak also emphasized that the party should await the court’s verdict on the official recognition issue, arguing that individual court rulings should not be viewed as a total resolution to the dispute. ‘There is still a way. Let us stop the convention from our respective sides. If the convention is not stopped, the party will split,’ he added. He warned that the faction initiating the convention process would be held responsible if the party divides.