Internal Conflict Escalates in Nepali Congress; Pressure Mounts on Deuba

Amid the evolving political landscape in Nepal, internal disputes within the Nepali Congress are intensifying. Following the two-day Gen-z rebellion in the third week of Bhadra, which reshaped national politics and sidelined older political parties, the party’s internal divisions have deepened.

Old vs. New Leadership Debate

On Bhadra 23 and 24, the younger generation within the Congress openly rejected the old leadership, prompting General Secretaries Gagan Kumar Thapa and Bishwaprakash Sharma to propose an immediate leadership change. They suggested either a special party convention or moving directly to the upcoming regular convention to select a new leader, aiming to find an alternative to party president Sher Bahadur Deuba.

The interim government led by Sushila Karki, formed through the Gen-z movement, has already scheduled the House of Representatives election for Falgun 21, 2082 BS. Meanwhile, most Congress leaders advocate holding the regular convention as per party rules.

Signature Campaign and Pushback

Leaders like Gururaj Ghimire, Devaraj Chalise, and Jankaraj Giri launched a signature campaign calling for a special convention. However, within two days, leaders close to President Deuba opposed the move.

A joint statement from Congress’s provincial presidents, including the Chief Minister of Sudurpashchim Province, urged party members not to be misled by calls for a special convention, emphasizing the need for unity. Leaders including Lokraj Awasthi, Nrip Bahadur Wad, and Sushila Mishra highlighted that such actions could weaken the party and create division, potentially threatening democratic processes.

They argued that the Gen-z generation’s demands should be addressed through the restoration of the House of Representatives, while maintaining party unity and stability.

Arguments for a Special Convention

Ghimire and allied leaders argue that the current political situation requires the Congress to adapt and move forward differently. They claim that the party’s past policies, decisions, and leadership style have led to the current stagnation, making it impossible for the existing leadership to drive progress.

With both factions actively promoting their positions, internal tensions are expected to escalate further. According to party rules, if 40% of convention delegates demand a special convention with valid reasons, the central committee must call it within three months. However, reaching the required signature threshold remains challenging.

Leaders advocating for the regular convention argue that since the four-year term is ending in Mangsir, holding a timely regular convention would reduce internal friction and allow the party to enter the Falgun 21 election with a new leadership. Party statutes also prevent the current president from contesting in the upcoming convention.

Thapa and Koirala Discussion

A discussion between Congress leaders Shekhar Koirala and Gagan Kumar Thapa focused on the party’s path forward amid recent political changes. Koirala has called for an immediate central committee meeting to decide whether to hold a special convention or proceed with a shortened regular convention.

According to party sources, their discussion centered on leadership transition through a special convention before the elections, with indications of positive dialogue on holding a special convention.