Concerns Expressed Over Congress’s Inability to Speak Up in Shekhar’s Discussions
Dr. Shekhar Koirala, a leader of the Nepali Congress, convened a meeting with leaders from various sectors following the recent elections, marking the first time he sought their views in such a setting. He listened to opinions from Congress leaders, foreign policy experts, legal professionals, journalists, and young members. The discussion revealed concerns that the Congress has been unable to voice its stance on national and international issues, emphasizing the need for moderation to maintain party unity.
On April 26, in Kathmandu, Dr. Shekhar Koirala engaged leaders from different sectors post-election to solicit their perspectives for the first time. Present at the meeting were Congress leaders, foreign policy analysts, political commentators, lawyers, journalists, and youth representatives. Following diverse inputs regarding the nation and the party, Dr. Koirala briefly shared his views.
One participant noted, “Dr. Shekhar spoke little but ultimately expressed a moderate position to preserve party unity, remarking that both factions within the party are extremist.” Attendees voiced serious concern that the Congress is currently incapable of articulating its positions publicly. Historically, even during significant events such as the burning of BP Koirala’s history or leaders’ homes, the party remained silent; now, after the formation of a new government, that silence has deepened according to meeting participants.
They stated, “Congress has failed to speak out on either national or international matters. There is a pressing need to empower the party to express itself more effectively.” The discussions also included an analysis that without achieving party unity, the Congress risks being out of power for the next 15 to 20 years. Speakers also raised concerns about the current government’s governance system.
Political analyst Puranjan Acharya evaluated measures to strengthen Congress alongside assessments of the current government’s performance. He remarked, “This wasn’t about Shekhar or Gagan; the message was unified. It’s not about individuals. There appears to be fear among people regarding democracy and its principles, raising concerns about what might happen.”
Discussions questioned the role of party president Gagan Thapa concerning the unresolved issue of selecting the parliamentary party leader. Leaders also inquired about why the topic of renewing active memberships for the 15th general convention was resurfacing, given that most renewals had already lapsed locally. Participants conveyed, “Some leaders wondered why renewals should be redone. Questions were also raised about the usefulness of retaining members unlikely to increase votes.”
Although legal disputes within Congress were settled following a court order, political disagreements persist, speakers stated.
The discussion took place at Koirala’s contact office in Vishalnagar and included participants such as Dr. Dinesh Bhattarai, Madhurman Acharya, Puranjan Acharya, Dr. Uddhav Pyakurel, Purushottam Dahal, Kishor Nepal, Haridarsan Shrestha, Sher Bahadur KC, Upendrekeshari Nyaupane, Dr. Binita Karki, Jagdish Dahal, Kulchandra Wagle, and Bishnu Budhathoki. Two young leaders, Abhijit Adhikari and Karina Puri, also took part. Other Congress figures involved were Dr. Shashank Koirala, Sujata Koirala, Dhanraj Gurung, Badri Pandey, Jeevan Pariyar, NP Saud, Dr. Minendra Rizal, and Dr. Govindraj Pokharel.