Kathmandu. The Nepali Congress is planning to reschedule the date of its forthcoming 14th general convention citing the impact of COVID-19. Earlier, it had decided to hold the general convention from February 19 to 22, 2021. The COVID-19 has affected the distribution of active membership of party and adjustment of party internal mechanism, resulting impact in the general convention schedule.

The party has shared that the meeting of the central working committee of the party being held by mid-December will amend the work schedule of the general convention. As per the party statute, the NC needs to hold its general convention by March 4. Similarly, the office-bearers in all levels and members will have four year’s term and in case of unusual situation, the central working committee has the authority to extend the term for one more year with valid reason.

Joint General Secretary of the party Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat has said it was difficult to hold the 14th general convention on the scheduled date of February 19 to 22, 2021. “We had tried to collect the information on distribution of central membership within mid-December, but it seems impossible now. After the collection of updates on membership distribution, the central committee meeting will review it and decide whether the general convention.

Similarly, former General Secretary of the party, Krishna Prasad Sitaula informed that as the complete information on distribution of central membership of the party was yet to arrive in the central office, there is no change of holding general convention in the scheduled date from February 19.

However, senior leader Ramchandra Poudel has accused the leadership of delaying general convention by taking COVID-19 as an excuse and delayed distribution of membership. (Bhismaraj Ojha/ RSS)