Nepali Congress Split Looms as Rival Faction Announces National Convention

A faction of the Nepali Congress led by former President Sher Bahadur Deuba has announced a national convention on August 29, signaling a potential split in the party.

The move comes as the party’s President, Gagan Thapa, has been trying to consolidate his power and has shown little willingness to compromise with the Deuba faction.

Deuba Faction Prepares for Showdown

The Deuba faction has been critical of Thapa’s leadership style, accusing him of being autocratic and not willing to listen to other party members.

Former Vice-President Purna Bahadur Khadka, who is close to Deuba, said that Thapa’s leadership has failed to unite the party and that the Deuba faction is now preparing for a showdown.

‘We are not going to be silent spectators,’ Khadka said. ‘We are going to take the lead and protect the party’s young leaders.’

Thapa Unfazed

Thapa, however, appears unfazed by the Deuba faction’s move, saying that he is committed to leading the party and will not be swayed by the rival faction’s threats.

‘I am not going to be intimidated,’ Thapa said. ‘I am going to lead the party and ensure that it remains united.’

Party Split Looms

The announcement of the national convention by the Deuba faction has raised fears of a potential split in the party, with some analysts saying that it could lead to a formal division.

Former Prime Minister Krishna Prasad Sitaula, who is close to Deuba, said that the national convention will chart a new course for the party and that it will not be swayed by Thapa’s leadership.

‘We are going to have a national convention and it will decide the party’s future,’ Sitaula said.

Call for Unity

Despite the tensions within the party, some leaders have called for unity and have urged Thapa and Deuba to work together to resolve their differences.

Former General Secretary Dr. Shashank Koirala said that the party’s internal conflicts need to be resolved quickly and that it needs to focus on its core values.

‘We need to resolve our internal conflicts and focus on our core values,’ Koirala said. ‘We need to work together to ensure that the party remains united and strong.’