Nepali Congress 15th General Convention: Party Split and Challenges

Following the restoration of multiparty democracy in the country, the Nepali Congress, which split for the second time in 2046 BS (1989-90 AD), has commenced its 15th General Convention from Sunday. The faction led by Gagan Thapa, officially recognized by the Election Commission, is holding the party’s supreme gathering with changes in policy and leadership, while former chairman Sher Bahadur Deuba’s group has announced a parallel convention in the month of Mangsir (mid-November to mid-December), conducting separate party activities. Congress Vice-Chairperson Pushpa Bhusal stated, “The convention is being conducted on a legal basis and it is not an illegal split.” She added, “The unity of Congress relates to national politics and necessity, but turning such political disputes into legal matters has complicated the situation further.” “It has caused a psychological division in some ways. The central committee formed after the convention must work inclusively to accommodate everyone.”

Leader of the Deuba faction, Prakash Sharan Mahat, commented, “No faction benefits when Congress splits, and the possibility of immediate unity does not appear likely.” “We had proposed postponing the convention from both sides, and the court could have facilitated consensus without rejection. However, when they proceeded, we also moved forward.” Approximately 7,500 delegates—the highest ever—are participating in the Nepali Congress convention scheduled from Ashwin 18 to 22 (early October). For the first time, 21 central committee seats have been reserved for youth under 35.

A political analyst noted that despite ongoing factionalism within Congress to consolidate its top leadership and individual groups, this is the first clear split observed since 2064 BS (2007-08 AD). The party had split in 2059 BS (2002-03 AD) under the name Nepali Congress (Democratic) but reunited in 2064 BS. Journalist and writer Haribahadur Thapa commented, “Though this split is not as large as that of 2059 BS, the message of division is clear. This news of a party split could weaken the main opposition further and its impact will be seen in the upcoming local elections.” Congress co-general secretary Prakash Rasaili acknowledged the challenge, noting an ongoing need to propel the party forward amidst harm caused by former leaders opposed to Gagan Thapa. “However, the party is stronger due to its procedures and constitutional supremacy rather than individuals. Efforts will continue, both before and after the convention, to include senior leaders. Even if not, Congress will adopt a new direction,” Rasaili said.

In a special convention held in Poush last year (December 2022), Gagan Thapa was elected party chair, replacing Deuba, and was officially recognized by the Election Commission. Prior to the start of the 15th General Convention, the Congress Central Working Committee decided to include all Deuba faction central members in the central committee. Although some Deuba faction leaders have returned to the central committee meetings, others remain separate from the officially recognized Gagan Thapa group by the Election Commission.

In 2059 BS, the party split under Sher Bahadur Deuba’s leadership resulting in the formation of Nepali Congress (Democratic), while the Election Commission granted official status to Girija Prasad Koirala-led Congress. Journalist Haribahadur Thapa said, “The split occurred during the 11th General Convention in 2062 BS (2005-06 AD). Despite differences in background, this current split at the 15th General Convention is the first major division since 2046 BS.” He added, “Although many leaders have returned to the main Congress, significant impacts on the party cannot yet be claimed. It is not comparable to the 2059 split.” “However, some who are not part of Gagan Thapa’s Congress may later return with attempts to form a smaller Congress, which could weaken the party. The upcoming local elections will be the main test.” Congress Vice-Chair Pushpa Bhusal described this as an internal party challenge alone. “We are honoring senior leaders while promoting the new generation. The increased representation of Generation Z and youth reflects social changes. We are redefining our roles,” Bhusal explained.

Deuba faction leader NP Saud stated that while there was division between the central committee and organizing committee during the special convention, the party’s broad organizational structure remained united. However, the current situation has worsened. “After failing to receive the court’s review, we were ready to move towards a lockdown. When that did not happen, we politically urged halting the convention. That could have prevented the party split,” Saud said. “There was no division in other structures, and waiting for the Supreme Court’s order was necessary. But the haste under time pressure disrupted the entire organization. It has hurt the chances of unity.” Saud blamed the lack of unity displayed in the last general elections for the poor performance and weakness of the party. “People hoped the party would not disintegrate. But with the two remaining factions, further damage will be seen in provincial and local elections,” he added. However, Congress co-general secretary Rasaili regards this factional situation as mere “commotion.” “The Supreme Court has twice granted legal status to Gagan Thapa, and the Election Commission has made the final decision. This raises questions about commitment to democracy,” Rasaili said. “Currently, no Congress MPs hold any opposition roles in parliament. We remain one party and the same situation applies in the provinces.”