Special General Assemblies of the Intellectual Federation to Be Held at Two Locations Amid Vote of No Confidence Against Leadership
Special general assemblies are scheduled at two different locations on Sunday to discuss the vote of no confidence lodged against the leadership of the All Nepal Intellectual Federation. The no-confidence motion raises concerns regarding President Herakaji Maharjan’s working style, financial opacity, and decision-making processes. Allegations also highlight that the federation’s idle funds have exceeded NPR 5.4 million, and there are claims of bias in budget allocations. (10 Jestha, Kathmandu)
Due to escalating internal disputes, a vote of no confidence was filed against the federation’s leadership, prompting the call for a special assembly. The internal friction has intensified to the point that separate special general assemblies will be held simultaneously at two different venues. President Herakaji Maharjan’s faction has scheduled their special assembly in Hetauda, Makwanpur, while the group opposing Maharjan and General Secretary Dharambahadur Lama has organized theirs at Swayambhu Peace Hotel in Kathmandu.
President Herakaji Maharjan’s team is preparing to face the no-confidence motion in Hetauda, whereas a group led by Senior Vice President Dipen Rai is preparing for the assembly in Kathmandu. According to federation spokesperson Raju Tamrakar, as per the executive committee’s decision, the special general assembly will take place on Jestha 10 at Club Hetauda, Hetauda-4, Makwanpur. Meanwhile, the opposing group has also announced plans to hold a special assembly in Kathmandu.
On Baisakh 12, Senior Vice President Dipen Rai submitted the no-confidence motion against President Herakaji Maharjan and General Secretary Dharambahadur Lama, supported by the signatures of 40 representatives. Following the motion, a meeting held on Baisakh 30 decided that under Article 7, Clause 22, Sub-clause 2 of the federation’s bylaws, the relevant executive committee must convene a special general assembly within 35 days to discuss and decide the matter. FIDE representative Amit Khanna Nepal conveyed that the central executive committee has resolved by majority to hold the special general assembly in Hetauda, Makwanpur, to address the vote of no confidence, as noted by spokesperson Tamrakar.
However, Tamrakar also mentioned that some members have submitted written objections to the venue. For impartial oversight of the special general assemblies, formal notifications have been sent to the World Chess Federation and the National Sports Council, and FIDE representative Amit Khanna Nepal has already arrived. Since the submission of the no-confidence motion against the leadership, internal dissatisfaction and distrust have become apparent within the federation. The opposing faction has seriously challenged President Maharjan’s working methods, financial transparency, and decision-making procedures.
Senior Vice President Dipen Rai and others have accused the federation of financial irregularities, non-transparent expenditures, and dereliction of responsibilities. According to Treasurer Tarabahadur Ranabhat, the federation currently holds idle funds amounting to over NPR 5.4 million. Allegations include delayed disbursement of budgets from the Regional Association for the Development of Educational and Cultural Programs (RAKEP), failure to account for funds received from international support, and increasing systemic issues. Furthermore, accusations of bias have been raised concerning player selection, participation in competitions, and budget allocation.