Nepal, Oct. 5 -- The Nepali Congress (NC) on Sunday opened its 15th General Convention at Kathmandu's historic Khula Manch, with party President Gagan Thapa calling for greater openness, accountability and internal democracy in political parties and Parliament.

The convention is being held under the slogan, "Respecting tradition and pledging for change; a strong Nepali Congress for a prosperous Nepal."

President Thapa inaugurated the convention by lighting a ceremonial lamp and watering a plant. He also paid tribute to the party's founders and senior leaders by garlanding their portraits.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Thapa said Parliament could not function as a genuinely open institution without the Prime Minister's dignified pre...