Nepali Congress Legitimacy Dispute: Both Factions Submit Claims to Election Commission

Leaders backing the regular general convention of the Nepali Congress visited the Election Commission on Friday. Leaders from Sher Bahadur Deuba’s group submitted documents claiming that the party’s official status is in their favor.

At the Commission, acting President Purna Bahadur Khadka, Vice President Dhanraj Gurung, and leaders including Dr. Shashank Koirala, Min Bishwakarma, and Nainsingh Mahar were present. Earlier, on Thursday, the faction led by Gagan Thapa, which held a special general convention, also submitted a petition to update the details of the newly elected central working committee.

The newly elected office-bearers under Gagan Thapa claimed that their special general convention was conducted according to party regulations and with participation from the majority of representatives, asserting their legitimacy. After the special convention announced the new working committee under Gagan Thapa, the Deuba faction reportedly took disciplinary action against Thapa and other leaders.

Both factions have submitted letters and documents to the Election Commission claiming official recognition. The Commission has stated that it is studying the claims of both sides. Analysts say this dispute could affect Congress’s election preparations as the House of Representatives election approaches on Falgun 21. If a decision from the Commission is delayed, the matter could potentially reach the Supreme Court.

The dispute has also raised questions over which faction will receive the party’s election symbols, the tree and the flag, as both sides claim they have majority support.

—News Agency Nepal