Nepal's Political Landscape Shifts: Gagan Thapa's Faction Declared Official Nepali Congress
Political Turmoil in Nepal
Kathmandu: On Friday, the Election Commission of Nepal confirmed that the faction led by Gagan Thapa is the legitimate Nepali Congress, marking a significant setback for the Sher Bahadur Deuba faction. This announcement follows the formal split of the party earlier this week.
The Nepali Congress divided on Wednesday after failed negotiations between two factions: one led by Gagan Thapa and Bishwo Prakash Sharma, and the other by party president Sher Bahadur Deuba, regarding necessary reforms.
Both factions submitted claims to the Election Commission, asserting their status as the official Nepali Congress.
Devraj Chalise, the party spokesperson, confirmed that their faction has received official recognition.
Purna Bahadur Khadka, acting president of the Deuba faction, stated, "We will contest this decision on all fronts."
Bimalendra Nidhi, a senior leader aligned with Deuba, expressed their refusal to accept the ruling and indicated plans for protests.
The Thapa-led faction convened a Special General Convention from January 11 to 14 in Kathmandu, where they elected a 166-member executive body with Thapa as president, a move contested by Deuba's faction.
Both groups presented documents to the Election Commission to validate their claims.
The Deuba faction contended that the General Convention held by Thapa's group violated party statutes.
In contrast, Thapa's faction claimed to have the backing of approximately 60% of General Convention delegates, asserting that their Special General Convention adhered to party rules and that the previous executive body led by Deuba was dissolved.
According to the Election Commission's ruling, the election symbol of the 'tree', the flag featuring four stars, and the party office in Sanepa, Lalitpur district, are now associated with Thapa's faction.
Following the announcement, numerous supporters from both factions gathered outside the Election Commission.
Nidhi remarked, "We do not accept the Election Commission's decision; we oppose it. This is an attempt to sabotage the upcoming March 5 elections."
The Deuba faction plans to initiate protests outside the Election Commission starting Friday night.
Tensions escalated at the Election Commission's main gate, where a significant police presence was deployed to prevent potential clashes between the rival factions.
This political development occurs just days before the nomination process for the general elections scheduled for March 5.
The need for general elections arose after Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli resigned on September 9, following widespread protests led by the youth-driven Gen Z group against his administration over corruption.