Congress convention update: Rathaur, Chalise and Rizal withdraw candidacies, rain delays closed session

At the 15th general convention of the Nepali Congress underway in Kathmandu, presidential candidate Kishor Singh Rathaur withdrew his candidacy on Wednesday. At a press conference at the National Assembly Hall, he said he had accepted President Gagan Kumar Thapa's proposal for cooperation for the sake of party unity. Thapa and Shyam Krishna Khadgi now remain as candidates for president.

Election Committee member secretary Raju Katuwal said open-category vice-presidential candidate and party spokesperson Devraj Chalise has also withdrawn his candidacy. Dr Minendra Rizal likewise gave up his vice-presidential candidacy after President Thapa assured him of an important responsibility.

Meanwhile, rain accompanied by strong winds delayed the closed session, scheduled for 10:30 am, until it began only at 4 pm. The session will pass four reports from the president, vice-president, general secretary and treasurer.

According to the Election Committee, 79 people had filed candidacies for the 19 elected positions. Voting is set to begin at 7 am on Thursday, Asoj 22.