The chairperson of the Nepali Congress has been persistently engaging in discussions and dialogues to unify the party, even as activities by the non-establishment faction continue unabated. At a Sudurpashchim Province level meeting, leader Ramesh Lekhak described Chairperson Gagan Thapa’s call for unity as meaningful, according to informed sources. He highlighted that based on examples set by Girija Prasad Koirala and Sher Bahadur Deuba, who demonstrated flexibility to achieve party unity, similar approaches are expected from Thapa.
Emphasizing the need for maximum flexibility from the chairperson to achieve broader unity, Lekhak urged respect for the contributions of former chairperson Sher Bahadur Deuba and his family.
Youth leader Kundan Raj Kafle, a participant in the program, reacted strongly on Facebook within hours against the establishment faction and the special general convention. He accused them of deliberately collecting signatures by misleading honest party workers and alleged that the special convention was orchestrated with a pre-planned leadership selection. He stated, “This matter is proving to be not only premeditated but also sponsored.” Kafle further added that this development has weakened the party, led to election defeats, caused division, and generated conflicts throughout all districts and party bodies.
The active involvement of non-establishment faction leaders has led some to perceive that party unity in Congress is drifting farther away. However, Congress General Secretary Pradeep Paudel counters this view, saying, “Such a tragic scenario will not occur,” and adds, “It appears circumstances will develop to include everyone through some means or another.” Chairperson Gagan Thapa remains proactive in seeking solutions within the framework of the special general convention and party statutes. General Secretary Paudel also believes that initiatives for unity can be successfully undertaken within the boundaries of party regulations.
The establishment faction has begun nominating certain leaders from the opposing faction to the Central Committee. Among the 19 individuals nominated by Chairperson Thapa on Baishakh 28, several are close associates of Deuba and Shekhar Koirala. Leader Koirala expressed dissatisfaction with Chairperson Thapa’s move via social media the following day, stating, “This nomination has dealt a blow to the party’s broader unity.”
