Dr. Shekhar Koirala: Nepali Congress Will Not Be Allowed to Split
Dr. Shekhar Koirala, a leader of the Nepali Congress, has expressed his firm commitment to prevent the party from splitting under any circumstances and to advance by maintaining unity. He alleged signs of authoritarianism within the party, citing verbal attempts to remove ward chairpersons across the country. He also pointed out delays in implementing a five-point proposal, prepared after discussions with Gagan Thapa, aimed at resolving internal party disputes. Date: 31 Jestha, Biratnagar.
Addressing a gathering organized on Sunday by a faction outside the party’s founding group in Biratnagar, Dr. Koirala emphasized moving forward with party consensus. He stated that signs of authoritarianism have recently emerged within the party. “Nepali Congress was born to establish democracy and end authoritarianism,” said Koirala, “but currently, under the pretext of membership update, verbal efforts are underway to remove ward chairpersons nationwide. This is the beginning of authoritarianism, which contradicts Congress’s ideals.”
Dr. Koirala explained that he had put forward a five-point proposal to resolve internal disputes within the party. After discussions with Party President Gagan Thapa, the proposal was presented, and although the leadership was positive, its implementation has been delayed. The proposals are as follows: 1. Do not mandate active membership update for the 15th General Convention. 2. Conduct the 15th General Convention based on active members renewed and distributed after the 14th General Convention. 3. Consolidate the 14th General Convention’s Central Committee, Working Committee, and Special Convention’s Working Committee at one place. 4. Ensure majority representation for the president when forming the performance committee. 5. Form critical committees related to elections, active membership, investigation, discipline, and bylaws only through mutual agreement and understanding.
He noted that although one and a half months have passed since the proposal was submitted, no progress has been made. “It has been one and a half months since there was agreement on these proposals, but what is holding things back? Why is the discussion being repeatedly altered?” he questioned. Koirala expressed the view that a weak Congress results in weakened democracy, sovereignty, and integrity of the country. “Congress cannot proceed in its current state. We must unite all forces. Consensus, cooperation, and unity are the current necessities,” he asserted. “When Congress is weak, national unity weakens.” He urged party members not to be influenced by reactions on social media and emphasized the need to spread a message of unity from the grassroots level to strengthen the party. “I want to assure you that the party will not split, and I will not allow it to. Work confidently to build the organization,” he concluded.