Former Vice President of the Nepali Congress Gopal Man Shrestha has openly expressed his support for holding a special general convention of the party. Shrestha, who had long remained aligned with party president Sher Bahadur Deuba, has now distanced himself from Deuba’s camp and publicly taken a position in favor of the special convention.
Speaking during a conversation, Shrestha said he would personally take part in the special general convention.
Talks With General Secretaries Lead to Shift
He said his decision followed discussions with party General Secretaries Gagan Thapa and Bishwa Prakash Sharma. “Today, I held discussions with both general secretaries. I also spoke with Gaganji at my residence for about half an hour. Such discussions had been taking place even earlier,” Shrestha said.
Shrestha said that although they had understood that party president Sher Bahadur Deuba had withdrawn from active politics, developments since then suggested otherwise.
“We believed that Sher Bahadurji had stepped back from active politics, handed over responsibilities to the acting president, and that there would be no further interference from him in party affairs,” he said. “However, Sher Bahadurji returned from Singapore stronger than before. He sidelined everyone and concentrated all authority in his own hands. He began acting solely according to his own wishes. This can no longer continue. I felt it was no longer possible to remain silent.”
Calls for Special Convention Backed by Majority Demand
Shrestha said he had supported Deuba since the party’s 10th general convention. “I have supported Sher Bahadurji since the 10th general convention held in Pokhara. He made many commitments, but none were fulfilled,” he said. “I now realize that I made many mistakes. He turned out to be harsh. I felt deep remorse. The role of the acting president became merely symbolic. Full Bahadur Khadka was not given any authority.”
Shrestha said a special general convention must be held in line with the demand raised by 54 percent of the party’s general convention representatives.
“I am not only participating myself, but I am also urging everyone who listens to me to attend the special general convention,” he said. “I have decided to stand with General Secretaries Gagan and Bishwa. They are the leaders of the future.”
