Kathmandu- The internal dispute within the Nepali Congress has sharply escalated, with the Sher Bahadur Deuba-led faction warning of nationwide protests if the Election Commission (EC) does not recognize its leadership, while the Gagan Thapa-led group has launched a sit-in protest in front of the Commission demanding official recognition.
Addressing a press conference at the party’s central office, acting president Purna Bahadur Khadka warned that the party would take to the streets across the country if the Election Commission failed to recognize the Congress led by Deuba. “We do not believe the Election Commission will take a wrong path, but doubts remain,” Khadka said, “If the Commission does not recognize the Nepali Congress we are leading, we will protest from village to village and ward to ward, carrying the four-star flag.”
He instructed party cadres and sister organizations nationwide to be prepared for agitation if such a situation arises.
Meanwhile, on Friday afternoon, leaders elected through the special general convention led by Gagan Thapa staged a sit-in protest in front of the Election Commission, holding placards and demanding immediate recognition. The Thapa faction has accused the Deuba group of exerting pressure on the Commission and attempting to delegitimize the special general convention.
Earlier on Friday morning, acting president Khadka and leaders from the Deuba faction submitted a petition to the Commission claiming official authority. In response, the Election Commission stated that it would make its decision based on the Constitution, the Political Parties Act, the Nepali Congress statute, and past precedents.
The Commission is currently under intense pressure from both sides. Leaders from the rival factions have been approaching the Commission repeatedly—submitting memorandums, holding meetings, and drawing attention to their respective claims. According to sources close to the Commission, officials are facing extraordinary pressure and are considering an expedited decision, as regular election-related work has been affected.
A source said the Commission could decide as early as Friday afternoon or, if not, by Saturday, citing urgency as Monday is a public holiday and Tuesday is the nationwide nomination day. Election Commission spokesperson Narayan Prasad Bhattarai confirmed that discussions with political parties are ongoing, stating that clarity may emerge by the end of the day.
Responding to the threat of agitation, Nepali Congress Vice President Bishwaprakash Sharma, elected through the special general convention, expressed confidence that the Election Commission would remain independent. “We heard statements suggesting nationwide protests if the decision does not go a certain way,” Sharma said after meeting Commission officials, “We believe the Election Commission will not be influenced by such threats and will uphold its constitutional duty.”
Sharma also briefed the Commission on the circumstances that led to the calling of the special general convention. He argued that the convention was convened strictly in line with the party statute after the central committee failed to address a formal demand.
“The action taken against us is not in accordance with the statute,” Sharma said, adding that office bearers elected through the special general convention constitute the legitimate leadership. He maintained that holding a special general convention was lawful, especially after the regular general convention could not be conducted as scheduled.
With both factions standing firm and mobilizing political pressure, the Election Commission’s decision will be decisive in determining which leadership gains official recognition. The outcome is also expected to shape the Congress’s role in the upcoming electoral process.
