In the wake of the Gen Z protests and growing calls for restructuring in traditional parties, Nepali Congress General Secretary Gagan Thapa on Thursday proposed holding the party's 15th general convention by December, abandoning earlier demands for a special convention.

During a meeting of the current and former office bearers of the party, Thapa, who has been critical of the party leadership’s functioning and was in a ‘revolt’ mood following the Gen Z movement, proposed holding general convention of the party as per the regular schedule, said party leaders.

The four-year term of the elected bodies, from top to ward level, is set to expire in December. The party held its 14th general convention from December 13 to 15, 2021, in Kathmandu.

There is also a growing call within the party to restructure and revamp its organisation in line with the spirit of the Gen Z movement.

Besides discussing internal party matters, the meeting discussed issues related to the new interim government and upcoming elections slated for March 5, 2026, said party leaders.

This was the first meeting of the Nepali Congress following the Gen Z protests and was chaired by party vice president Purna Bahadur Khadka.

Party chief Sher Bahadur Deuba had called the meeting, but he did not attend. Deuba was attacked by an angry mob on September 9 during the Gen Z movement at his residence and recently discharged from the hospital after weeks of treatment. Earlier reports had suggested that he would attend the meeting

Earlier General Secretary Thapa, another general secretary, Bishwa Prakash Sharma, and party leader Shekhar Koirala were in favour of holding a special convention in response to the Gen Z movement, which also sparked calls to cleanse party politics. Leaders close to Thapa, Koirala and Sharma had even collected signatures from general convention representatives to demand a special convention. As per the party charter, if 40 percent of general convention representatives demand a special convention, the central working committee of the party must call the convention.

“Now time has come to hold the regular general convention, so Thapa proposed holding the general convention as per the regular schedule. A new leadership ahead of the upcoming election would make a significant impact,” said a leader close to Thapa.

In the meeting, besides Thapa, leaders including Koirala; party vice president Dhanraj Gurung; another general secretary, Sharma; deputy general secretaries Badri Pandey and Jeevan Pariyar; and leader Arjun Narsingh KC, among others, said that the regular general convention must be held by December under any circumstances.

In the meeting, Thapa presented an initial draft outlining how the general convention could be conducted by December.

Thapa said, "The main message of the Gen Z movement is to remove the established leadership. While other parties are debating leadership changes even though their terms are still ongoing, in our party, the regular term of the central committee has already ended. Therefore, under no circumstances will the term of this working committee be extended."

While the general convention preparations process normally takes six months, under special circumstances, it can be completed within two months, Thapa said at the meeting. He added that holding a special convention using representatives from the previous general convention could remain a second option, but emphasised that the regular convention should remain the top priority.

General Secretary Sharma supported Thapa's proposal saying, “If it is not possible to hold the regular general convention by December, we can consider a special convention. But Congress should first finalise the modalities for both conventions.”

Since Deuba cannot contest for a third term, in case the party decides to hold a special convention, it will have to form an organising committee to hold the convention. Leaders say they need at least four to six months to hold the regular convention by settling various political, technical and logistic issues.

Speaking during the meeting, leader Koirala said the regular general convention should be held as soon as possible.

Speaking with the reporters after the meeting, party spokesperson

Prakash Sharan Mahat warned the government that elections cannot be held in a disturbed environment.

He emphasized that peace is necessary for elections and alleged that the unrest in the country is being fuelled by the government itself.

Accusing the government of not showing sensitivity regarding the elections, he said, “The home ministry itself has instructed officials not to initiate action against those responsible for the chaos of September 9. We object to this. Elections cannot take place in a chaotic environment.”

Mahat argued that the government’s failure to hold talks with political parties so far shows a lack of seriousness in ensuring peace and stability for elections.

He also mentioned that there has been no discussion within the Nepali Congress about appointing an acting president if Deuba relinquishes his post.

However, he added that “since there is no reliable basis for elections, the party has still not abandoned the option of reinstating the dissolved Parliament.”

He stated that, during the Gen Z movement, the essence of democracy itself was attacked, so it is necessary to move forward in unity.

He said, “Currently, attempts are being made to undermine democratic values and principles. But we will not be intimidated. We will rise. What is needed now is unity within the party, and we will move forward unitedly. We will hold intensive discussions and reach a decision regarding leadership change at the general convention.”