The 11th Convention of Nepali Congress Party has concluded today September 02, 2005. The party’s constitution provides for direct election of the party president and 18 other members to the central working committee. 18 more are appointed by the president.

Of the 78 contestants for membership of the central working committee through election, 5 were from Newar community namely Chin Kazi Shrestha, Omkar Prasad Shrestha, Rabindra Lal Shrestha, Ram Krishna Tamrakar and Shyam Lal Shrestha. All of them lost the election.

There are chances that newly elected president Girija Prasad Koirala will appoint one or two Newars to the central working committee. But they will have to act exactly as the president wishes. Naturally, an appointee cannot have his/her independent voice, independent choice.

Newars have lost their position in the policy formulating, decision making and highest executive body of Nepali Congress Party, at least for next five years.