NC Split: Fight for Legitimacy Intensifies; EC Verdict Awaited

Sabika Shrestha

A day after the split in Nepali Congress, both sides tried to fortify their fortress.

Submitting additional papers at the election commission to convening the first central committee was on the menu for special convention elected president Gagan Thapa’s side.

Unlike Thapa’s claim of taking over the Sanepa office, a private Banquet was the venue for the meeting, while party president Sher Bahadur Deuba led side was busy in legal consultations ahead of the election commission verdict.

Following Gagan Kumar Thapa’s election as the President of the Nepali Congress at a special general convention, uncertainty over the March 5 election has deepened. 

Despite Thapa’s claim of being the inception side now, the first meeting of the special general convention elected executive committee was held at a private banquet hall in Kupandol.

The Sher Bahadur Deuba led side on the other hand intensified legal consultations as the claim over the party flag and election symbol has reached the election commission.

Raghav Gautam of the party’s Central Information, Communication and Publicity Department said the conflict had been long-standing.

The battle has started now with one side claiming that they had convened the special general convention as per party statute while the other remaining firm on the need of endorsing the special general convention from the central committee.

Gagan Thapa and Biswoprakash Sharma who lacked majority in the central committee opted to bypass the leadership in their attempt to revolt against the older generation.

The dispute is expected to end up in the Supreme Court, raising concerns about its impact on the upcoming elections.

Advocate Radheshyam Adhikari said the Election Commission would prioritize majority support if procedures were followed.

Political analysts warn that the unresolved legal battle within Nepal’s oldest democratic party could reshape electoral dynamics and alliances in the weeks ahead.