How Bhishmaraj Angdembe Became the Unanimous Leader of the Crisis-Ridden Nepali Congress Amid Factionalism

The Nepali Congress has unanimously elected Bhishmaraj Angdembe as the leader of its parliamentary party. The selection process adopted a consensus approach to remove factional issues. Party President Gagan Thapa stated that the delay in decision-making was not due to helplessness but because of extensive dialogue with all parties involved. On April 26, Kathmandu – Despite the decrease in Nepali Congress’s representation in parliament, former Deputy General Secretary Bhishmaraj Angdembe’s role as parliamentary party leader has gained broader significance. Considerable groundwork and mindful efforts within the Congress were dedicated to making Angdembe the unanimous leader of the parliamentary party.

Leaders such as Arjun Narasingh KC, Angdembe, Mohan Acharya, and others were primary contenders for the parliamentary party leadership. Based on his experience as a senior leader, former MP, and minister, Arjun Narasingh KC was the natural front-runner and had openly claimed the leadership. Had he proceeded, Angdembe was also ready to support him. A senior Congress official remarked, ‘When Arjun Narasingh was going to become the parliamentary party leader, Bhishmaraj said he would not contest the claim.’

However, selecting KC, who holds a top position among Congress representatives in the House of Representatives, raised concerns among party officials, including President Gagan Thapa and his supporters, about allegations of nepotism. Consequently, top leaders such as President Thapa and Vice President Bishwaprakash Sharma took initiatives to foster a consensus environment, urging KC to relinquish his claim. KC agreed to withdraw his leadership bid. Leaders of the task force formed to select the parliamentary party leader also held discussions with KC during this period.

Party leaders anticipated that appointing Angdembe as parliamentary party leader would help end factional politics. A senior leader emphasized that resolving factional issues by selecting a leader unanimously without an election would diminish factional tendencies and hopes. Meanwhile, aspirants engaged in mutual consultations; KC, Angdembe, and Acharya met separately. Sharma-led committee successfully persuaded another candidate, Acharya, to support Angdembe’s nomination.

According to Congress leaders, Angdembe’s past roles as a coordinator aided his selection as parliamentary party leader. Even while aligned with former President Deuba’s faction, Angdembe was recognized as a unifying leader. Despite some Deuba faction leaders being strongly opposed to the special general convention, Angdembe did not participate in their dissent.

Among the six parliamentary parties in the House of Representatives, Congress was the last to select its parliamentary party leader. The delay in this process sparked questions both inside and outside the party regarding new leadership. President Thapa explained that the postponement was necessary to mature a unified decision.

He clarified that this time, since all MPs favored selecting leadership by consensus, more extensive discussions took place. ‘Competition is natural within our party, but this time, most MPs desired a unanimous leadership decision,’ President Thapa said following Angdembe’s selection as parliamentary party leader.

‘This delay was not due to laziness or helplessness. It took time because dialogue and discussions with all parties were essential,’ he added.