Nepali Congress Accelerates Preparations for Special General Convention and Consensus Building

Leaders have reported that decisive efforts are rapidly progressing towards organizing the Nepali Congress’s special general convention and establishing consensus among its various internal factions. On Sunday, Congress Chair Gagan Thapa stated that unity efforts with groups of party leaders and activists who came to meet him are moving in the direction of consensus. He has also disclosed plans to form a task force to draft the framework for this agreement. However, leaders from the dissatisfied faction of the Congress have said they have not formally received such proposals. Congress leader Bimlendra Nidhi mentioned hearing that the proposal had reached Dr. Shekhar Koirala, but he did not have detailed information. The dissatisfied group has called for a national gathering in Kathmandu on Shrawan 29. On the day of BP Memorial Day, leaders hinted at the possibility of forming a new party if consensus is not reached.

There is significant attention focused on the new Congress party that could emerge due to the absence of consensus. In the past, leaders committed to the republic and secularism have apparently begun to lean towards “considering” this direction, which has attracted widespread attention. According to some experts, the new party formed may actively raise issues similar to the pre-2006 Congress, such as constitutional monarchy and Hindu statehood. Leader Prakash Sharan Mahat has expressed views supporting a Vedic Sanatan Hindu nation.

“Currently, our national identity is in crisis. Issues concerning Hindu, Buddhist, and Kirat national identities have arisen, and we have internally discussed this matter,” he said. “We are not prioritizing the monarchy, although some colleagues favor it; however, that issue has not yet taken a decisive form.” Previously, party leader Shankar Bhandari, who advocated within the party for a Hindu state, has openly taken a stand in favor of the monarchy. He stated, “There is a need for broad national unity to prevent the country from becoming a playground for foreign powers and to maintain the nation’s dignity. The basis of national unity is the monarchy, and a Vedic Sanatan Hindu nation that respects all religions is the foundation for unity and peace.”