Nepali Congress factions hold separate events to commemorate party founder BP

Six months after a special general convention sparked an internal power struggle, the Nepali Congress remains deeply divided, with rival factions holding separate commemorations for party founder BP Koirala.

Leaders loyal to former president Sher Bahadur Deuba warned on Wednesday that they would form a new party if reconciliation efforts with the establishment faction, led by Gagan Thapa, failed. The dissenting faction announced a national gathering in Kathmandu on August 14 to chart its future course. Purna Bahadur Khadka, leading the Deuba camp, stated their aim was "dignified unity" and hinted at forming another party rather than compromising on dignity.

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We are not going to remain inactive. We are ready to move forward by bringing young leaders to the forefront and standing as their shield. We do not want anything for ourselves. We fought even during the Panchayat era for dignity. We would rather die than compromise on our dignity.

Meanwhile, the establishment faction held a two-day event, including a "Green Run" and discussions on Koirala's political philosophy. However, the commemorations underscored the party's divisions. Senior leader Shekhar Koirala attended the Deuba faction's program, a move that drew attention. At the event, Koirala criticized Thapa's leadership, accusing the party of developing authoritarian tendencies.

The core dispute centers on the fate of 111 office bearers and central members elected at the last convention. The dissident faction wants them inducted into the new Central Working Committee, a demand the establishment faction rejects, fearing it would create a parallel power center and institutionalize factional politics.

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The Nepali Congress was founded to fight authoritarianism. Now authoritarian tendencies are emerging within the party itself, and they must be stopped.