- The Nepali Congress dispute has reached a turning point as the dissident faction opened a separate office, signaling a possible structural split.
- Post-convention power imbalances and growing mistrust between the establishment and Gagan Thapa’s leadership have created two parallel organizational paths.
- Influential leader Shekhar Koirala’s neutrality further complicates the power struggle, leaving the party caught between open rebellion and potential reconciliation.
Kathmandu, Nepal: The long-standing internal dispute within the Nepali Congress now appears to have reached a decisive turning point. The conflict between the establishment faction and the dissident group, which has been visible for nearly six months, is deepening rather than moving toward resolution. The recent move by the dissident faction to operate a separate office is being interpreted not merely as an organizational step but also as a signal of a possible split.
The power balance that emerged after the special general convention has become the main source of the current dispute. Following the selection of a new working committee under the leadership of Gagan Thapa, the establishment faction struggled to accept the outcome. Since then, mistrust between the two sides has continued to grow. Although several rounds of dialogue and coordination efforts were initiated to preserve unity, they have failed to produce meaningful results.
Initially, the dissident faction attempted to address its dissatisfaction and demands within the party framework. However, after their concerns were not addressed, they shifted to a more assertive strategy. A clear example of this is the establishment of a separate office in Chundevi, Kathmandu. The office, inaugurated by Purna Bahadur Khadka and Shashank Koirala, is now seen as a potential center for parallel activities by the dissident group.
This development has made the existence of “two distinct lines” within the party increasingly evident. On one hand, the establishment faction is focused on preparations for the 15th general convention, while on the other, the dissident group is actively strengthening its organizational structure in parallel. This suggests that the internal power struggle is no longer confined to ideological differences but is expanding structurally.
Despite this, political uncertainty persists. Influential leaders like Shekhar Koirala have not fully aligned with either side, further complicating the power equation. He has neither openly supported the Khadka-led dissident faction nor fully endorsed the leadership of Gagan Thapa. This indecision has contributed to increasing instability within the party.
Although the leadership formed through the special general convention has received legal recognition from the Election Commission and the Supreme Court, it has not succeeded in strengthening internal unity. The dissident faction accuses the leadership of failing to take effective steps toward party cohesion. As a result, they have begun publicly signaling that they are considering alternative paths.
Interestingly, despite establishing a separate office, the dissident faction has not formally acknowledged choosing the path of division. They continue to claim that unity remains their top priority. This indicates that the party is currently in a sensitive phase—caught between open rebellion and a final split.
Meanwhile, party supporters and the general public strongly believe that the Nepali Congress should not split. Given Nepal’s current political context, the need for democratic forces, and concerns about stability, there is a widespread view that maintaining unity within the party is essential.
