Update (17:33 NST, October 4, 2026)
Nepali Congress Vice President Bishwaprakash Sharma, addressing the 15th General Convention inauguration today, Sunday, October 4, 2026, declared that the party, as the main opposition, will stand firmly with the government on international platforms to take a common stance against the climate crisis facing the country, according to Nagarik News.
Sharma urged the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP)-led majority government, formed after the February 21 election, and the Nepali Congress to work together to make the next half-decade productive. He recalled the devastating Bhote Koshi flood on August 26, 2026, which originated from the Tibet side of Rasuwa, where 1,456 bodies have been recovered and 4,718 people remain missing as of October 4, 2026, according to the research brief. He called for rising above party politics to protect the melting Himalayas.
Sharma also highlighted the Nepali Congress’s historical role in establishing parliamentary democracy, proposed by Jananayak BP Koirala, as a shared path for all parties, and affirmed the constitution as the common document for national unity, Nagarik News reported.
Update (17:02 NST, October 4, 2026)
Former Prime Minister Dr. Baburam Bhattarai, addressing the inauguration of the Nepali Congress 15th General Convention today, Sunday, October 4, 2026, criticized political parties for their focus on forming and toppling governments, which he said has hindered economic prosperity and fueled public dissatisfaction. Dr. Bhattarai urged political leadership to take responsibility for their failures and proposed a shared 20-year national development plan, suggesting parties should compete on its implementation rather than on government formation, according to Nagarik News.
He cited Malaysia, Korea, Singapore, and China as examples of countries that transitioned from the ‘Global South to Global North’ within a lifetime, emphasizing the need to learn from past mistakes and trust the new generation for political stability. Meanwhile, for the upcoming closed session on October 5 and 6, Nepali Congress President Gagan Thapa is scheduled to present political and policy documents, while Vice Presidents, General Secretaries, and the Treasurer will also present their respective reports, the research brief stated.
Discussions during the closed session will take place in three designated halls named Himal, Pahad, and Terai-Madhes. The election process for new leadership is scheduled to proceed on October 7 and 8. The party also plans to increase the number of Joint General Secretaries from eight to eleven and ensure at least one-third women’s representation in various committees, according to the research brief.
Update (16:18 NST, October 4, 2026)
Nepali Congress Vice President Pushpa Bhusal stated that the 15th General Convention is a crucial forum for serious discussion and dialogue about the party’s present and future, not merely for leadership selection and position management. Speaking at the inauguration, Bhusal emphasized the need for self-reflection among all who believe in democracy and the Nepali Congress, according to Khabarhub and Dainik Nepal.
Bhusal, along with Nepali Congress General Secretary Gururaj Ghimire, also announced a commitment for party leaders to visit villages across the country after the convention, aiming to inform citizens with renewed energy and confidence, Online Khabar reported. Other speakers at the inauguration included Congress Kathmandu President Sabuj Krishna Baniya, Nepali Congress leader Sita Gurung, and Bagmati Province President Indra Baniya.
The party has finalized 7,028 delegates for the convention, with representatives from sister and well-wisher organizations and 75 presidential nominees still to be determined, out of an expected total of 7,500 to 7,700 delegates. For logistics, meals are being provided to delegates at Bhrikutimandap, though they are responsible for arranging their own accommodation, according to the research brief.
The 15th General Convention is now confirmed to run until Thursday, October 8, 2026 (Ashoj 22 BS), aligning with the scheduled election program, the research brief stated. This clarifies earlier reports that indicated an end date of October 9.
Update (16:02 NST, October 4, 2026)
Nepali Congress President Gagan Thapa inaugurated the party’s 15th General Convention today, Sunday, October 4, 2026, by watering a plant at Khulamanch. The convention, held under the slogan “Respecting tradition and resolving for change: A strong Congress as an alternative for a prosperous Nepal,” is expected to see over 7,500 delegates participate, marking the highest number in the party’s history.
Several top political leaders attended the inauguration. Among those present were Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) President Rabi Lamichhane, CPN (Maoist Centre) Chairman Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, former Prime Minister Dr. Baburam Bhattarai, Nagarik Unmukti Party Nepal leader Resham Chaudhary, former Finance Minister Rameshwor Khanal, Shram Sanskriti Party General Secretary Aren Rai, and Rastriya Janamorcha Acting General Secretary Ghanshyam Neupane. CPN (UML) General Secretary Shankar Pokharel and Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) President Rajendra Lingden were also in attendance, as previously reported. Janata Samajwadi Party (JSP) Nepal President Upendra Yadav did not attend, sending Co-Chair Sharatsingh Bhandari instead. Major political parties from India and China did not have a physical presence at the event, sending congratulatory messages instead.
The Nepali Congress has proposed increasing the number of its office bearers from 17 to 21. The new structure would include one president, four vice-presidents, two general secretaries, 13 joint general secretaries, and one treasurer. This proposal will be discussed and decided during the closed session.
Meanwhile, a faction led by former Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba is proceeding with plans for a separate convention in Mangsir.
Update (14:18 NST, October 4, 2026)
The CPN (UML) parliamentary party meeting began today, Sunday, October 4, 2026, at 2:11 PM at the party headquarters in Chyasal, according to Khabarhub and Shilapatra. CPN (UML) Chairman KP Sharma Oli is participating in the meeting.
Oli decided not to attend the inauguration of the Nepali Congress 15th General Convention, which is also taking place today, and instead called the parliamentary party meeting at the same time, the sources reported. CPN (UML) General Secretary Shankar Pokharel will represent the party at the Congress convention to extend greetings, according to the research brief.
Update (13:48 NST, October 4, 2026)
The Nepali Congress 15th General Convention officially began today, Sunday, October 4, 2026, with delegates and supporters entering Khulamanch with traditional Panche Baja, cultural tableaux (Jhankis), and rallies, displaying party flags and slogans, according to Kendrabindu. The convention dates were shifted from Ashoj 16-19 (BS) to Ashoj 18-22 (BS) due to regional conventions being affected by rain, Kendrabindu reported. The convention is being held in a modest and economical manner due to national mourning and disaster, with digital boards used for publicity and candidates urged not to print leaflets, the research brief noted.
The number of delegates has increased by approximately 3,000 compared to the 14th General Convention, with about 7,000 delegates participating this year, partly due to the party’s split. New provisions in the party statute mandate at least three youth delegates (under 35) from each federal constituency, and one delegate each from democracy fighters, martyr families, conflict victims, minorities, persons with disabilities, and professional experts, the research brief stated. The closed session (Banda Satra) will also be held at Khulamanch on October 5 and 6, a change from previous practices, the research brief added. CPN-UML General Secretary Shankar Pokharel, Rastriya Prajatantra Party (RPP) President Rajendra Lingden, and Janamat Party Co-Chair Sharatsingh Bhandari are among the dignitaries attending the inauguration, with India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Foreign Affairs Chief Dr. Vijay Chauthobale also invited, according to the research brief.
For the leadership election, the 240-member Central Committee will comprise 171 elected members, with the remainder nominated by the President. Candidate nomination is scheduled for October 5, from 2 PM to 6 PM, at Rastriya Sabha Griha. Voting centers will be at Khulamanch, Rastriya Sabha Griha, and Nepal Pragya Pratishthan. There will be no electronic voting, which may prolong the voting process, the research brief stated. From Sarlahi-4, six members of former district president Surendra Prasad Singh’s family, including himself and his brother Virendra Prasad Singh (Vice President of Madhesh Province Committee), were unanimously selected as delegates, Janakpur Today reported. Surendra Prasad Singh resigned as district president in early Bhadra 2082 (BS) after being convicted of corruption, Janakpur Today added.
Update (07:18 NST, October 4, 2026)
The Nepali Congress 15th General Convention, which officially began today, Sunday, October 4, 2026, will continue until Friday, October 9, 2026 (Ashoj 22 BS). Candidate nomination for leadership positions will commence on Monday, October 5 (Ashoj 19 BS), with the election program scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, October 7 and 8 (Ashoj 21 and 22 BS), according to the party’s Central Election Committee.
For delegates and participants, the party has designated eight parking locations, an expansion from previously reported areas. These include Dharahara’s underground parking, Salt Trading’s parking lot near Bagikhana, the Old Bus Park area, one outer lane of Bhrikutimandap, Rastriya Sabha Griha parking, Pragya Pratisthan premises, and Annapurna Hotel’s parking lot at Durbarmarg. Additionally, one section of the road between Maitighar Mandala and Bhadrakali has been allocated for large buses arriving from outside Kathmandu Valley, Nepali Congress Central Member Vijay Bahadur Swar, who also coordinates the convention’s transport management committee, said. Parking at Dharahara underground and Annapurna Hotel will incur a fee, while other designated areas will be free. This arrangement was coordinated with traffic police and the Kathmandu District Police Complex.
Further health provisions have been made, with two ambulances on standby at the convention venue and an ‘on-call’ duty system in place for health services during the night. The convention also features technology-friendly arrangements, including QR code payment for candidacy registration fees, website entry for results, and a digital voter list.
Update (06:18 NST, October 4, 2026)
The Nepali Congress 15th General Convention officially begins today, Sunday, October 4, 2026, with party President Gagan Thapa scheduled to inaugurate the event at Khulamanch, Tundikhel. The convention is being held at a site historically significant for BP Koirala’s first public address after exile and Ganesh Man Singh’s declaration of the 2046 (BS) People’s Movement success, according to Thaha Khabar.
The party clarified that its main slogan for the convention is “Respecting tradition and resolving for change: A strong Congress as an alternative for a prosperous Nepal,” with “New Congress, New Resolve” also set as another slogan, spokesperson Devraj Chalise said. While over 7,500 delegates are expected, 7,028 have been confirmed, with the total projected to reach approximately 7,500 including representatives from fraternal and well-wishing organizations, and 75 nominated by President Gagan Thapa, according to the research brief.
Delegate registration began on Saturday, Ashoj 17 (BS), at the party’s central office in Sanepa. The closed session (Banda Satra) is scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, Ashoj 19 and 20 (BS) (October 5 and 6). During this session, President Gagan Thapa will present a document, while the Vice President, General Secretary, and Treasurer will present policy, organizational, and financial reports, respectively. Discussions will be held in three different halls, grouped by geographical region, with digital boards for participants to view reports, Chalise added.
New logistical arrangements include the Accommodation Management Committee appointing a coordinator from each constituency, district, and province to manage delegate lodging, with information provided via WhatsApp, an AI number, and SMS. Parking for private cars and motorcycles will be available at Bhrikutimandap, Rastriya Sabha Griha, and the Old Bus Park area, while one lane of the Maitighar-Bhadrakali section will be used for large buses. A media center has also been established at Khulamanch, where spokesperson Devraj Chalise will provide daily briefings twice a day.
The health desk at Khulamanch is now reported to be staffed by eight doctors, paramedics, and nurses, a change from the previously reported 30 health workers. Additionally, Chantal Kambiwa, Executive Coordinator of Socialist International, has arrived to attend the convention, correcting her previously reported title of Secretary General.
Update (20:18 NST, October 3, 2026)
Nepali Congress President Gagan Thapa sent an official invitation to former President Sher Bahadur Deuba to participate in the 15th General Convention, which begins Sunday. Joint General Secretary Yogendra Chaudhary delivered the letter to Deuba’s residence in Chundevi but did not meet him, according to Chaudhary.
The party’s slogan for the convention is “New Congress, New Resolve,” replacing the previously announced “Respecting tradition and resolving for change: A strong Congress as an alternative for a prosperous Nepal,” Nepali Congress spokesperson Devraj Chalise said.
More than 7,000 delegates and over 50,000 youths are expected to participate in the convention, according to the party’s Information, Communication, and Technology Committee. The committee also stated that youths under 35, democracy fighters, laborers, professional groups, and Nepalis residing abroad have been given opportunities for representation in the Central Committee.
Candidates are prohibited from using caps, vests, jackets, masks, or other promotional materials bearing their name or election symbol. The party has also banned making noise in public places, misusing vehicles, and involving children in election-related activities during the convention.
Technical and managerial preparations for the convention are in their final stages, the Information, Communication, and Technology Committee announced on Friday, October 2, 2026. The inaugural ceremony is confirmed to begin at 2 PM on Sunday, October 4, 2026, at Khulamanch in Tundikhel, Kathmandu.
Update (19:18 NST, October 3, 2026)
The Nepali Congress 15th General Convention is set to begin on Sunday, Ashoj 18 (BS), at Khulamanch in Kathmandu, under the slogan “Respecting tradition and resolving for change: A strong Congress as an alternative for a prosperous Nepal,” Nepali Congress spokesperson Devraj Chalise said. More than 7,500 delegates are expected to participate, making it the largest in the party’s history, Chalise added. Delegate registration took place on Friday and Saturday, Ashoj 16 and 17 (BS), with a fee of Rs 3,500 per delegate. Each delegate received a kit containing the party statute, a diary, a pen, food and snack coupons, and a delegate card.
Spokesperson Chalise stated that the party aims to transform this convention into a “policy selection convention” rather than primarily a “leader selection convention.” He also confirmed that regional conventions in fewer than 10 constituencies are still pending but are expected to conclude by Saturday night. The Nepali Congress has invited ruling and opposition parties, including the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) and CPN-UML, as well as international guests from countries like India, China, and the United States. However, the party noted that foreign guest attendance might be low due to changes in the convention dates. Socialist International Secretary General Chantal Kambiwa arrived on Wednesday, Ashoj 14 (BS), to attend the event.
For delegates, hotels have been booked across Kathmandu in areas such as Gausala, Koteshwor, Lazimpat, Thamel, Naya Buspark, Sundhara, Balaju, and Kalanki, accommodating up to 10,000 delegates and well-wishers. While the party will provide breakfast and lunch at Bhrikutimandap during the convention, delegates from districts, public relations committees, and sister organizations are responsible for their own accommodation costs. The party will cover accommodation for foreign guests. A health desk staffed by 30 health workers across five stalls has been set up at Khulamanch to provide general check-ups and emergency services. A delegation led by Mahasamiti member Prashant Gurung is arriving from Hong Kong to participate, with delegates expressing excitement and a desire for unity among party factions.
The Nepali Congress Central Election Committee has reiterated that individuals vying for central positions in the party’s upcoming 15th General Convention cannot simultaneously contest elections for provincial or district committees.
Raju Katuwal, member secretary of the Nepali Congress Central Election Committee, issued a notice reminding potential candidates of the rule. The party’s statute explicitly states that a person who has competed in an election at one level cannot be a candidate for any committee position at a higher or lower level during the same period. This means any candidate for a central post in the 15th General Convention will be ineligible to run in subsequent provincial or district committee elections. The committee also reminded that ex-officio General Convention representatives, including those from sister organisations and well-wishing institutions, are not permitted to run for any central committee position.
15th General Convention Schedule and Participation
The 15th General Convention of the Nepali Congress is scheduled to take place from Ashoj 18 to 22 (BS) at Khulamanch, an open ground in Kathmandu. The inaugural ceremony will commence at 2 PM on Ashoj 18. The Central Election Committee has set the nomination registration for candidates at the Rastriya Sabha Griha, the National Assembly Hall, from 2 PM to 6 PM on Ashoj 19, which is a Monday. The actual election program is slated for Ashoj 21 and 22.
Approximately 7,500 delegates are expected to participate, with 7,028 already confirmed. The previous 14th General Convention, held in Mangsir 2078 (BS), saw 4,743 delegates. The convention’s opening date was postponed by two days from Ashoj 16 to Ashoj 18 due to heavy rainfall affecting regional conventions and delegate selection in various parts of the country.
Factional Dispute and Parallel Convention
The Nepali Congress is currently grappling with a legitimacy dispute, which is pending before the Supreme Court, Nepal’s apex court. While the establishment faction initiated the General Convention process on Ashoj 3 (BS), former Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba’s faction had argued against holding the convention until the court dispute was resolved. Deuba’s faction has submitted a separate schedule to the Election Commission, proposing to start ward conventions from Ashoj 15 (BS) and hold their central General Convention from Mangsir 21-23 (BS).
Next Steps and Committee Structure
Delegate registration for the ongoing convention is scheduled for Ashoj 16 and 17 (BS). The closed session and other programs will run on Ashoj 19 and 20 (BS). A committee led by General Secretary Pradip Paudel is working on statute amendments, with proposals for changes to be presented during the closed session. The 14th General Convention elected 13 office-bearers, including one president, two vice-presidents, two general secretaries, and eight joint general secretaries, excluding the treasurer. The 15th General Convention will elect a 231-member Central Working Committee. The decision on whether to increase the number of office-bearers or maintain the current structure will be finalised during the closed session. Nomination fees have been set at Rs 40,000 for the central president, Rs 30,000 for vice-presidents and general secretaries, Rs 20,000 for joint general secretaries, and Rs 11,000 for central members.
Unresolved Issues
The ultimate outcome of the Nepali Congress’s legitimacy dispute, currently before the Supreme Court, remains unclear. Similarly, how the conflict between the two factions will be resolved, especially with Deuba’s faction pursuing a parallel convention process, is uncertain. The final decision on the number of office-bearers for the new central committee is yet to be made, and it is not clear if this will be settled by consensus or through an election. Furthermore, the completion timeline for regional conventions and delegate selection processes that were affected by heavy rainfall in some constituencies is still pending.
