FEATURES NEWS THE RISING NEPAL (DAILY)

NC General Convention
Time To Focus On New Course

By Prem N. Kakkar

THE 10th General Convention of Nepali Congress party opens today in Pokhara amidst much hopes of taking the party forward in its mission of serving the people and the country in a more unified manner. For the largest democratic and ruling party in the country, there is much to be expected from the mahaadhiveshan.

The uncertainties that had existed in the past will be resolved as things have geared on electing a new president of the party. Prime Minister and President of the party Girija Prasad Koirala has already declared his candidacy while former prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba is also in the fray. This is a democratic system wherein everyone has the right to stand up and face the voters for the election.

The 10th NC General Convention that kicks off today will see hectic activities geared for revitalising the party and see that it moves ahead in a dynamic manner. The convention in Pokhara will address many of the grievances and problems within the party and main agenda is to bring unity among all the party workers.

The convention has come on the heels of the no confidence motion that was tabled by the group led by Deuba in the NC parliamentary party. The motion went in favour of Prime Minister Koirala. It was felt that the unity in the party would be disturbed with the divided NC lawmakers. But nothing of this sort has happened and all focus has been on this general convention.

Now is the time for the party leaders to leave aside the trivial issues and work for making the party stronger as the challenges in front are many. It must be remembered herein that if the ruling party remains strong it can deal with any difficulties howsoever formidable they may be. But the fact remains that the voices of all must be heard and no coercion must be resorted to. It is this fact alone which can see a stronger party emerge. After all it not a one man show but a collective effort for the party that has led the freedom struggle twice.

Any grievances within the party must be dealt with sensitively and bringing about consensus among all the members. This alone would be able to bridge the gap that may exist within one party member and another. Now is the testing time for the party leadership so that unity remains while at the same time serving the people with greater zeal and dedication.

‘ The focus on party unity is an integral part of the whole fabric which all the NC leaders have realised and have expressed their commitment to it. To what was observed recently that party unity might be threatened, at the moment everything seems to be normal as all attention is on the general convention. This speaks of the fact that all want a united and strong party to face the challenges that lie in front of the party and the country.

The second-generation has also come of age and want a greater say in party matters than in the past. This is a good move as the energetic party workers will have to come up with innovative strategies so that they can prove their popularity. And the provision for electing half the members of the party’s Central Working Committee will make way for the second generation to come directly into the picture of the party leadership. Moreover, as the Prime Minister had said, it would be a process for handing over power to the second generation while at the same time forge a collective leadership of the party.

There is also the question of more representation of women in party activities. There should be no discrimination. More representation of women would mean a greater say for the women who constitute 50 per cent of the total population of the country. More women at the decision making level would be a catalyst for more women oriented programmes. It is hoped that the present general convention will take the needed measures in the interest of the women.

At the same time eyes have focussed of electoral reforms so that more can participate in the leadership. This means taking into consideration all the factors right from the grass roots level to the central. This would help in further strengthening the party. A strong party means one that can work wholeheartedly for the welfare of the people. Trivial issues must be resolved with the minimum of fuss. This would lead to more attention on the major issues.

On the question of good governance, maintenance of law and order and the Maoist problem, the convention must arrive at concrete decisions. As it is also the ruling party, the Nepali Congress has more in stake by giving more consideration to these issues. There is no doubt that the convention will see the elimination of many anomalies.

The optimism that prevails within the party is great as to the outcome of the general convention. The party will be able to take on a new course with the conclusion of the general convention. Every participant will be able to speak his or her mind so that new ideas can flow in the interest of the party and people as well. The success of the convention will speak much for the aspirations of the people and the progress of the country.

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