The Nepali Congress’ second special general convention is underway at Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu, drawing wide attention amid speculation over whether it signals party reform or a possible split.

The convention has been convened with the active involvement of general secretaries Gagan Kumar Thapa and Bishwa Prakash Sharma.

While some observers see the convention as an attempt to transform the party, others fear a party split. Delegates and participants arriving from across the country, however, say the gathering reflects a growing demand for generational change within the party.

Indra Kedem, a Koshi Province working committee member from Taplejung, said he attended the event to support leadership renewal. “Sher Bahadur Deuba is our guardian, but the next phase requires new faces who can take the party into elections more effectively,” he said. According to him, 13 delegates from Taplejung were attending the convention.

Kedem, who openly supports Thapa for the party presidency, said he was confident the party would not split. “The demands of Gen Z have been acknowledged by leaders like Gagan Thapa. Both the leaders [Thapa and Sharma] and the cadres believe the party will remain united,” he said.

Saurabh Thapa, vice-president of the Nepal Students’ Union in Kavre, said recent political developments made reform within mainstream parties more urgent than ever.

“The movements of September 8-9 gave parties a chance to correct themselves. We are here because the Congress must transform, and the younger generation should now lead the party,” he said.

Saru Baniya, a Mahasamiti member from Bhaktapur constituency number 1, said the convention was a result of campaigns led by the two general secretaries. “The Gen Z movement showed public frustration. We ran signature campaigns across districts, which the general secretaries embraced and led. That is why we are here for generational change,” she said, adding that the special convention would decide not only the statute but also leadership.

Rajkumar Urlakoti, a participant from Dhading, echoed similar views, saying the party must go to the people with new faces. “The presence here shows that cadres are seeking new leadership,” he said.