Divided Congress Faces Defining Convention
Summary
The Nepali Congress has opened its 15th General Convention in Kathmandu amid a deep internal split over rival organizational processes and leadership claims. Party unity is under strain as leaders debate whether the oldest democratic party can avoid another break while Nepal discusses constitutional amendments.
Key Points
- The Nepali Congress has begun its 15th General Convention in Kathmandu with around 7,500 delegates electing new leadership.
- A rift between the Gagan Thapa-led faction and Sher Bahadur Deuba’s group has created rival convention processes, while Shekhar Koirala and Purna Bahadur Khadka have stayed outside both sides.
- Talks led by Gagan Thapa have not produced a settlement with Deuba, raising fears of another party split.
- The article says a weakened Congress would reduce institutional support for Nepal’s constitutional debate and broader democratic politics.
