As Bishwprakash’s Influence Grows, Sitoula Becomes More Defensive

In Jhapa, the balance of power between the factions of Nepali Congress leaders Krishna Prasad Sitoula and Bishwprakash Sharma has been shifting, with Sharma gaining influence as the party’s Deputy Chairperson. The Congress has relieved Krishna Prasad Sitoula from his post as leader of the National Assembly Parliamentary Party and assigned Kamaladevi Pant to that responsibility. Following a special general convention in Jhapa, there has been a transformation in the mindset of leaders and activists, sparking a new phase of politics aimed at managing competition.

As of April 24 in Kathmandu, while the Deuba faction in central Nepali Congress politics has reportedly sidelined the Koirala faction, the political dynamics in Jhapa tell a different story. Previously, the Sitoula faction appeared to overshadow Bishwprakash Sharma’s faction. However, recent developments illustrate a changing political equation. Sharma, who has closely collaborated with Sitoula, has become increasingly influential from the district level up to the central leadership since the special general convention. His rising activity within the party and growing acceptance among the youth cadre have established him as a new power center within the organization.

Conversely, Sitoula, who had maintained strong control over the organization for a long time, has recently adopted a more defensive posture. The shift in power balance within his home region of Jhapa is reflected in a diminishing influence at the central level. Sharma, serving as Deputy Chairperson, is active in the central working committee led by Gagan Thapa. Meanwhile, Sitoula is gradually disengaging from his central and parliamentary roles. On April 16, the party relieved him of his responsibilities as leader of the National Assembly Parliamentary Party. Capitalizing on Deputy Chairperson Sharma’s growing influence, parliamentary party leader Bhishmaraj Angdembe replaced Sitoula with Kamaladevi Pant for that role. Historically, Sitoula held a strong grip over Jhapa, and even during Sharma’s tenure as general secretary, Sitoula was the key figure at events in his home district. However, since Sharma’s elevation to Deputy Chairperson, he has been consolidating his hold in Jhapa.

“Even when Bishwprakash was general secretary, Krishna Sitoula was often the chief guest at events, while Bishwprakash was treated as a special guest,” said a local leader in Jhapa. “But nowadays, that dynamic has changed. Since the special general convention, Bishwprakash has become dominant across all areas.” According to this leader, before the convention, party programs in Jhapa were conducted under Sitoula’s direct guidance, with no event proceeding without his approval. Local leaders once considered close to Sitoula are now aligned with the central leadership. Sitoula’s refusal to accept the leadership chosen through the special convention was evident, as Koshi Province committee chair Uddhav Thapa—previously believed to be a Sitoula ally—attended meetings in Sanepa along with the newly elected leadership. Chairperson Thapa organized two events under the chief patronage of Gagan Thapa. The Sharma faction attributes some obstruction and non-cooperation in Jhapa to these developments.

“Province Chairperson Thapa, who was considered close to Krishna Sitoula, has successfully held two high-profile events,” said a Sharma-aligned leader in Jhapa. “This has resolved a key cause of obstruction and non-cooperation within Jhapa.” District Chairperson Deuman Thebe is also supporting the elected leadership, despite Sitoula’s wishes. While some members of Sitoula’s faction have urged their cadres not to renew active membership, Chairperson Thebe has taken an active role in the ongoing membership update campaign. “Deuman sir was once a close associate of Krishna sir and won his position with Krishna’s support; the opponent candidate then was Ram Kattel,” explained the leader. “Now, Thebe himself is leading efforts to update active membership.” The membership renewal campaign, which will begin on May 5, aims to digitize the party’s record of active members.

Sub-chairpersons Kesharaj Pandey and Sher Bahadur Bhattarai, both from Sitoula’s group, are also involved in the membership update activities. “After running in the election, Kesharaj Pandey is now active in the update process,” one local leader noted. “Sher Bahadur Bhattarai has accepted the process smoothly following court approval and is moving forward.” Since the special general convention, the mindset and priorities of Congress leaders and activists in Jhapa have shifted. Rather than suppressing competition at the district level, politics is now geared towards managing it effectively.

The growing strain between Sharma and Sitoula began during their time as presidents of the Nepal Student Union, when relations were fairly cordial. However, tensions increased following the party’s 12th General Convention. Sharma contested for Jhapa chairperson in 2010 BS (Bikram Sambat), while Sitoula backed his close ally Uddhav Thapa for the position, exacerbating the rift. The conflict that grew in Jhapa eventually reached Kathmandu. Sitoula was aligned with the close circles of Girija Prasad Koirala and Sushil Koirala, and Sharma felt uneasy when Sushil served as acting chairperson. When former Nepal Student Union presidents were appointed as central members, Bishwprakash Sharma was overlooked, further straining their relationship. Although both leaders pursued their paths differently, their internal disputes deepened without strengthening ties.

For the 14th General Convention, Sharma announced his candidacy for general secretary and tried to launch his campaign from Jhapa. However, due to lack of support from district leadership, he began his campaign independently from Birtamod, with Sitoula’s faction leaders not attending his events. As tensions escalated, Sharma was elected general secretary. He then organized a gratitude meeting in his home district, which Sitoula’s faction boycotted. The 14th General Convention also exposed competition in the Jhapa district convention, where former deputy chairperson Deukumar Thebe competed against deputy chairperson Ram Kattel for the chairpersonship, with Thebe emerging victorious by securing 1,765 votes against Kattel’s 1,515 out of a total 3,311 votes. Kesharaj Pandey and Sher Bahadur Bhattarai won the deputy chairperson posts. While Chairman Thebe remains active, district chairpersons close to Sitoula have shown reluctance to renew active membership. When asked about the intensifying conflict between Sitoula and Sharma, Thebe declined to comment, stating, “This is a central-level issue. We are district-based and cannot say much. Whether there is discord or not, that question should be addressed to them.”