Dissident Nepali Congress faction forms organizing committee, eyes new party

A dissident faction within Nepal's Nepali Congress (NC) has established a main organizing committee for a national gathering, appointing former general secretary Shashank Koirala as its coordinator. The gathering, scheduled for August 14, is seen as a critical juncture for the party, with sources indicating that preparations are in place to register a new political party under Koirala's leadership if internal unity efforts falter.

The newly formed 521-member committee, announced at a press conference in Chundevi, is headed by Koirala, the son of the late NC founder BP Koirala. The faction has also established 16 sub-committees to manage various aspects of the gathering, including political documents, organizational preparations, and economic policy.

“

We have announced this national gathering to give the party a new direction. If there is no positive change or agreement by then, we will move forward in a new form.

"We have announced this national gathering to give the party a new direction. If there is no positive change or agreement by then, we will move forward in a new form," stated leader Min Bishwakarma. He added that if the gathering rejects the proposal for unity, the faction will pursue an alternative path, with Shashank Koirala remaining their leader.

Several former senior NC office-bearers, including Bimalendra Nidhi, Prakash Man Singh, and Krishna Prasad Sitaula, attended the press conference. Shashank Koirala confirmed that leader Shekhar Koirala also supports the initiative, conveying his full support through Shashank. The faction's move signals a deepening rift within the NC, as attempts to reconcile with the party leadership, led by president Gagan Thapa, have reportedly yielded no results.

“

I have been in continuous discussions with Shekhar Dai. He was supposed to attend today’s press conference, but could not because he is in Biratnagar. He asked me to convey to the media that he extends his full support.