May 15, Dhangadhi – The faction of the Nepali Congress in Kailali led by outgoing party president Sher Bahadur Deuba has opposed the decision to update active membership. Leaders, including District President Narayandatt Bhatt, have expressed their objections, calling the move unjustified. Under the membership renewal campaign, the central working committee appointed Jagat Prasad Joshi to oversee activities in Kailali. Joshi called for a meeting with local leaders on Friday, but the gathering was declined by Bhatt and other leaders.
Subsequently, under the chairmanship of Bhim Padal, regional president of Kailali Constituency No. 5, party leaders convened at the party office in the afternoon. However, following instructions from District President Bhatt, office secretary Prayagraj Joshi closed and left the office. Leaders supporting party president Gagan Thapa have accused Bhatt of ordering a lockdown of the office. Due to the office closure, the meeting was ultimately held at a hotel in Dhangadhi under the regional president’s leadership.
“Is the party office the private property of the district president? Are meetings not allowed there without the president’s approval?” questioned Regional President Padal. “This is anarchy and irresponsible behavior by the president.” After the office closure, the meeting resolved to coordinate with all leaders and grassroots committees regarding the active membership renewal. “Ward committees have reported insufficient time for updating membership,” he added. Meanwhile, District President Bhatt claimed he never directed the office to be closed and suggested the office remained inaccessible because the secretary was away.
