Kathmandu’s political landscape shifted dramatically on January 17 when the Election Commission officially endorsed the committee led by Gagan Thapa as the legitimate leadership of the Nepali Congress. Just two days after the party’s formal split, this decision has ignited celebrations among Thapa’s supporters and sparked outrage from Sher Bahadur Deuba’s faction, who are now threatening nationwide protests.
In a pivotal meeting chaired by Acting Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari, the commission validated Thapa’s claim following a special general convention. A senior official revealed that the verdict passed by majority vote, overriding dissent from one commissioner who questioned the convention’s legitimacy.
The commission’s ruling hinged on three key constitutional pillars. First, the Nepali Congress constitution empowers 40% of general convention delegates to convene a special session, which was duly held amid reluctance from the central working committee. Second, general convention delegates hold supreme authority, making their decisions binding. Third, no formal objections were recorded against summoning the convention, affirming its procedural validity.
Thapa, in a swift evening statement, welcomed the decision, urging unity across party ranks. ‘This was no contentious issue; the commission acted per the constitution and laws,’ he declared, pledging to strengthen the party while expressing respect for Deuba.
Conversely, Deuba’s camp expressed deep dismay, vowing street demonstrations if Thapa’s group gains recognition. They’ve scheduled a central committee meeting at party headquarters in Lalitpur’s Sanepa on Saturday morning. The acting commissioner noted that Deuba’s faction could register as a new party if they opt out.
This endorsement is poised to deepen divisions within the Nepali Congress and ripple through national politics. With upcoming March elections looming, any legal challenges from Deuba could disrupt the poll process, heightening tensions in Nepal’s fractious opposition.
As Thapa calls for cohesion, the coming days will test whether the historic party can reconcile or fracture further, reshaping Nepal’s political alliances ahead of critical votes.