The 11th National Congress of the CPN-UML is set to begin today, with party chairperson KP Sharma Oli scheduled to inaugurate the event this afternoon at the open ground in Sallahghari, Bhaktapur.

Party leaders and cadres arrived at the venue early in the morning. Security arrangements have been tightened, with police teams, including trained sniffer dogs, deployed at the inauguration site.

Parking arrangements have been made at Gaththaghar and Jagati for leaders and cadres attending the inaugural ceremony. According to the organizers, vehicles coming from the Kathmandu side will be parked at Gatthaghar, while those entering through the eastern route will be directed to Jagati. Parking facilities have been arranged at brick kilns, plotted lands, and other open spaces in the Jagati area.

Participants are expected to reach the Sallahghari venue in organized processions. The party has described the convention as a demonstration of the strength of a democratic political party. CPN-UML Politburo member Mahesh Basnet said efforts have been made to ensure that the processions proceed as much as possible through service lanes along the main roads.

CPN-UML Publicity and Publication Department chief Rajendra Gautam said all preparations for the convention have been completed and that around 300,000 participants from across the country are expected to attend the inaugural session. He added that more than 200 cultural tableaux reflecting Nepal’s unity and diversity will be displayed during the ceremony.

According to the party, a model of the Changunarayan Temple has been constructed on the stage, alongside an electronic lamp, which will be lit remotely by Chairperson Oli to inaugurate the convention. As this is the party’s 11th national convention, 11 party flags will be displayed, with 10 flags hoisted at the outset and one flag raised remotely. The closed session of the convention will be held at Bhrikutimandap in Kathmandu.