Congress factions clash over party’s socialist path
Summary
Factions inside the Nepali Congress are split over whether the party should stick to BP Koirala’s democratic socialism or redefine itself around social democracy. The dispute has sharpened ahead of the party’s general convention, with supporters of Gagan Thapa backing modernization and the Deuba camp warning it could dilute the Congress identity.
Key Points
- The Nepali Congress is facing a deep ideological split ahead of its 15th general convention over whether to retain democratic socialism or shift toward social democracy.
- Supporters of Gagan Thapa say the party is modernizing BP Koirala’s legacy to reflect current political and economic realities, while the Deuba faction says the move weakens the party’s historical identity.
- The rise of the Rastriya Swatantra Party and its adoption of social democracy has intensified the Congress debate over whether to use the same terminology.
- Analysts and younger delegates say the party needs a clearer ideological framework that speaks to youth, governance, and Nepal’s changing economy.
