Kathmandu, Oct. 4 -- Nepali Congress President Gagan Thapa on Sunday inaugurated the party's 15th General Convention, formally opening a gathering expected to discuss the party's political direction and organisational future.

Thapa opened the convention by laying wreaths at portraits of the party's former presidents, lighting a ceremonial lamp and watering a sapling.

Former prime ministers Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Baburam Bhattarai, and CPN-UML general secretary Shankar Pokhrel, among other leaders attending the inaugural ceremony, also paid tribute at the portraits.

Addressing the opening session, Congress vice-president Pushpa Bhusal said the convention should serve as a forum to discuss the party's present and future after its long st...