Kathmandu, November 4
The student wing of main opposition Nepali Congress, Nepal Students Union, has failed to hold its general convention to elect the new leadership once again, owing to multiple disputes within the organisation.
The current executive committee led by Nain Singh Mahar completed its term in August. The party then used its prerogative to extend the term for next three months, which is expiring on November 18.
In the meantime, Mahar’s committee decided to hold the convention on November 2, 3 and 4. It was not possible as leaders opposing to Mahar protested the decision citing Mahar’s people tried to amend the statute unilaterally.
On the other hand, leaders in both the mother party and sister wing are divided on the party’s decision of imposing a 32 year age bar for the student union’s membership.
Now, the party has two options for the next course–either to form an ad hoc committee with a mandate of holding the convention in next six months or extending the term of current committee by six more months. The party’s mahasamiti meeting, expected in next few weeks, has the authority to decide for extension.
But, leaders opposing Mahar say none of the options will work unless the party takes back the decision about age bar.
Mahar, however, seems committed to the convention and says he will retire only after handing over the leadership democratically.
