Nepali Congress faces division ahead of 15th General Convention

The Nepali Congress is facing significant internal division as rival factions prepare for competing leadership contests. The dispute involves disagreements over the party's legal status and the legitimacy of its leadership, following a Supreme Court review of an Election Commission decision regarding a new committee led by Gagan Kumar Thapa.

Three distinct camps have emerged within the party: one aligned with former president Sher Bahadur Deuba, one led by Gagan Kumar Thapa, and a neutral group associated with Dr. Shekhar Koirala. The Deuba-aligned faction has announced it will hold its 15th General Convention on December 7, 8, and 9. Due to time constraints and failed attempts at a unity convention, this group is operating in ‘emergency mode’ to finalize preparations.

The internal rift has caused confusion among local workers and disrupted ward-level conventions. In some regions, attendance has been low, and disputes over active membership lists have further complicated the process. There are concerns that this fragmentation could impact the party's performance in upcoming local and provincial elections.