Kathmandu is bracing for a high-stakes legal showdown as the Supreme Court prepares to intervene in the bitter factional war within Nepal’s largest party, the Nepali Congress. On Saturday, Sher Bahadur Deuba’s faction announced it would challenge the Election Commission’s recent decision recognizing Gagan Thapa’s leadership in the top court.
The dispute erupted after the Election Commission validated the central committee elected during a special general convention held from January 11 to 14, led by Thapa’s group. This convention proceeded without Deuba faction’s approval, sparking outrage among Deuba loyalists who claim it violates party statutes, the constitution, and prevailing laws.
Deuba’s camp, issuing a strongly worded press release, accused the Commission of ignoring their submitted evidence and acting unilaterally. Acting President Purna Bahadur Khadka has been authorized to file an urgent petition, possibly as early as Sunday, seeking to overturn the ruling.
Meanwhile, Thapa’s faction held its own meeting on Saturday, urging unity ahead of the March 5 parliamentary polls. Spokesperson Devraj Chalise emphasized the need for leaders and workers to close ranks for the elections. They even proposed inviting Deuba to take on a guardian-like role within their structure.
Time is of the essence for Deuba’s group. With the deadline for First-Past-The-Post (FPTP) candidate nominations set for January 20, a failure to secure an interim stay from the Supreme Court could sideline them from fielding candidates under the party’s banner. Proportional representation lists have already been submitted.
Nepal’s House of Representatives comprises 275 seats: 165 via FPTP and 110 through proportional representation. This internal rift threatens to fracture the party’s electoral prospects at a critical juncture, with the Supreme Court’s verdict poised to reshape Nepal’s political landscape.