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Following the special congress convention, leaders’ statements reflect intensified efforts toward broad unity within the deeply divided Nepali Congress party.
Leaders from both the establishment and non-establishment factions agree that unity is imperative.
Party President Gagan Thapa is reportedly considering proposing a respectful formula acceptable to all, as expressed by leaders outside the establishment.
Thapa’s faction has also conveyed readiness to discuss various alternatives.
Are Congress leaders moving towards renewed unity?
Awaiting Gagan Thapa’s Initiative
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Dr. Minendra Rijal, a leader who did not participate in the special convention, recently spoke with President Thapa urging him to take the lead in unity efforts.
“I received a positive response from him, but I’m not aware of any further efforts since. I am waiting,” said leader Rijal. “Unity must happen, there is no alternative. Before the court verdict, we can have many options, but the initiative must come from Gagan Thapa.”
According to General Secretary Gururaj Ghimire, elected at the special convention, discussions on unity efforts are ongoing at various levels. He said the other factions assert that President Thapa should be the primary point of contact.
“There are commitments including selecting the parliamentary party leader, and the president will also engage in talks,” said Ghimire.
A New Mechanism for Holding a Convention?
Several leaders close to Sher Bahadur Deuba and Dr. Shekhar Koirala have begun to feel that the party cannot remain tangled in ongoing court cases.
Congress leader Dilendra Prasad Badoo feels the party’s issue must no longer be put on hold, even more so than the government formation and parliamentary dissolution-related writ petitions.
“Even though the parliamentary dissolution was unconstitutional, the country moved forward. We have entered a new situation. Waiting on the party’s special convention lawsuit will deepen disputes. Advancing as per the times benefits everyone,” said Badoo. “Ending old disputes and opening a new path is in everyone’s interest. Participating in the 15th general convention is the balanced approach, the formula for unity.”
He noted that by contesting elections, all sides have acknowledged the special convention. “Those who do not accept it will attend the regular general convention automatically,” explained Badoo.
However, according to Dr. Prakashsharan Mahat, a leader close to Deuba, the special convention did not have majority participation and has psychologically divided the party from center to grassroots. Still, he sees both factions as necessary.
“In the present challenging circumstances, a regular convention that is acceptable to all is necessary,” said Mahat. “A legitimate convention held by a rights-respecting mechanism acceptable to all can be easily accepted by all elected members.”
General Secretary Ghimire states that the party has no tradition of creating a separate mechanism for conventions and says broad unity is currently essential, especially considering the setbacks suffered in elections.
“But we have yet to reach any conclusions on such untested matters,” he said. “There might be other alternatives to unity. Let us discuss openly what can be done.”
What Sacrifices Can the Establishment Faction Make?
Some experts suggest that the resignation offered by President Thapa may have been rejected to preserve alternatives for unity.
This is because the establishment faction wants the other side to recognize the special convention. If the writ petition in court is withdrawn, the 15th general convention could become a focal point for unity.
In such a case, could President Thapa, who resigned on moral grounds after the electoral defeat, step down from his position to aid party reconciliation?
General Secretary Ghimire says, “If discussions with the president focus on complete reconciliation, the dialogue could extend to decisions on who should be removed or retained.”
He describes himself as personally generous and open to unity.
“We are ready to engage in open discussions to find a place for unity and are willing to make sacrifices if necessary,” he said.
However, how can members elected from the special convention be compelled to resign except voluntarily?
Responding to this, Ghimire referenced informal proposals coming from talks, saying “Those proposals seem to be ‘we don’t accept it, they must leave’ kinds of demands. Talks are ongoing; let’s see what proposals come forward.”
Pressure from Local and Provincial Elections
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Within the Congress, some indicate that the upcoming local elections within a year, followed by provincial elections, will add pressure for unity.
Analysts believe that the political future of President Thapa, under intense pressure following the parliamentary election defeat, will be decisively shaped by these upcoming polls.
The opposing faction may also present limited options such as forming a new party or unconditionally accepting Thapa’s leadership.
If the establishment faction moves forward unilaterally with the regular general convention, the party risks formal division.
Yet, leader Minendra Rijal remarked, “If the Congress on the path of division is led by him, serious questions arise regarding where he would lead the country.”
Is Deuba Confident?
Former President Sher Bahadur Deuba, currently abroad, remains part of informal discussions on unity.
Some of his trusted allies have publicly expressed views opposing further entanglement in court cases.
Is Deuba endorsing the ongoing informal proposals?
His press advisor Govinda Pariyar states, “He agrees that the fractured state resulting from the special convention must be addressed to unify the party, but modalities are yet to be finalized.”
According to Pariyar, Deuba believes that learning from the special convention and recent elections, everyone should be prepared to reconcile both factions. Despite ongoing court matters, if a middle ground is found, the party can proceed accordingly.
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