The second special convention of the Nepali Congress has been extended until Tuesday after discussions on the reports presented by the party’s general secretaries Gagan Kumar Thapa and Bishwa Prakash Sharma, according to party officials.

Madhav Prasad Chamlagain, member secretary of the special convention publicity subcommittee, said discussions on the reports submitted by party general secretaries Thapa and Sharma are still underway, necessitating an extension of the meeting. He said the process of selecting new leadership would also begin on Tuesday, once deliberations conclude.

The special convention, called by the two general secretaries, has been underway in Kathmandu since Sunday, with a closed-door session currently taking place at Bhrikutimandap, Kathmandu.

As the convention moves towards the possible election of a new leadership, party president Sher Bahadur Deuba, formerly adamant on not addressing the call by the general secretaries, has begun consultations with senior leaders and legal experts, citing concerns over a potential legal and constitutional crisis. With a majority of convention representatives reportedly aligned against him, Deuba convened meetings at his Maharajgunj residence with close aides, senior leaders and lawyers.

Former attorney general Khamba Bahadur Khati, advocate Yogendra Bahadur Adhikari, and leaders including Shekhar Koirala and acting president Purna Bahadur Khadka were among those present, according to party sources.

The closed session has endorsed some statutes, which allow the general secretaries to propose dissolution of the existing central working committee and formation of a new one until the next regular general convention.

Supporters of the special convention argue that the term of the committee elected by the 14th general convention has expired, making an immediate leadership change necessary ahead of the upcoming elections.

Party leaders say discussions between Deuba and the two general secretaries are expected later on Monday, as the convention enters a decisive phase.

“Party president Deuba will hold discussions with the general secretaries in the evening,” Min Bahadur Biswakarma, chief of the party’s publication department, said on Monday.