KATHMANDU – The 14th general convention of the Nepal Congress has kicked off amidst a grand ceremony at Bhrikutimandap premises, Kathmandu. Top leaders of the NC, key leaders of other political parties and foreign delegates are present in the main stage of the ceremony.
Though people out of the Kathmandu Valley have not been called in the inaugural of the general convention due to COVID-19, Bhrikutimandap is full with general convention representatives of the party and other well-wishers.
Before the inauguration, photos of party’s founder and leading leaders were garlanded as well as silence was observed in respect of known unknown martyrs, who sacrificed their live for the establishment of democracy in the country. Five large displays have been kept outside the stage for the convenience of the participants to observe the activities on the stage.
A separate stage has been made constructed towards the right side of the main stage for media for news coverage. A slogan ‘Motivation, Unity and Transformation: Let’s Make the 14th General Convention a Success’ has been determined for this general convention.
The national and international sector has been watching the great festival of the oldest and largest party of the country with special interest. A promo depicting the new map of Nepal bearing the photos of towering leaders of the party—BP Koirala, Shubarna Shumsher, Krishna Prasad Bhattarai. Girija Prasad Koirala and Sushil Koirala – has been kept at the background of the stage.
General Convention venue has been decorated with party flags and flags bearing the picture of tree, election symbol of the party, and welcome gate has been placed at different places. Different types of dances—Dhime, Magar, Gurung, Limbu, Tharu, Bhojpuri, Maithali were performed on the occasion.
There are 4,700 representatives for the General Convention. Volunteers from the EX- Army Association have owned up the responsibility of managing crowds while the Nepal Police takes charge of ensuring security arrangements at the Convention venue. The traffic police are assigned to look after the management of vehicles.
Convention candidates are busy with several programmes to woo voters. They are seen distributing visiting cards and pamphlets to the representatives. Leaders are seen having warm conversations with cadres. A health committee and a media centre are in operational near the main entrance to the Convention venue. The site is largely occupied by the party leaders, cadres and well wishes.
The party Spokesperson is conducting the programme. Leaders and cadres present on the occasion have reacted that they wished to see an integrated Nepali Congress ahead. Earlier, NC Kathmandu President Krishna Baniya (Sabuj) welcomed guests to the party’s mega event.
The closed session of the Convention will take place at the Bhrikutimandap’s Hall on Saturday. According to the party Central Election Committee, the final name list of Convention representatives was unveiled today and the time for the candidacy nominations has been scheduled from 10:00 am to 5 pm tomorrow, Saturday.
Likewise, two hours (5:00-9:00 pm) on Saturday has been set for the claim and counterclaim. The publication of the first name list of candidates will take place from 9:00 pm to 12:00 midnight of December 11. Similarly, any candidate wishing to withdraw the candidacy should do that by 11:00 am of December 12 and the final name list of candidates will be published at 12: 15 pm of December 12 and the voting will start from 8:00 am on December 13.
