Internal tensions within the Nepali Congress have escalated sharply, with rival factions stepping up parallel activities that have pushed the party’s dispute to a critical point.
The conflict traces back to a special general convention held in December without consensus among top leaders. The convention, led by Gagan Thapa and Bishwa Prakash Sharma, elected a new central working committee with Thapa as president. The move was challenged by factions aligned with Sher Bahadur Deuba and Shekhar Koirala, who later approached the court. The case remains under consideration.
Tensions intensified after the arrest of party leader Ramesh Lekhak, who had served as home minister during recent protests. Leaders from the Deuba–Koirala camp accused the party establishment of failing to respond strongly, prompting them to issue separate statements and organise independent gatherings.
In recent days, the rival faction has held meetings with newly elected lawmakers and announced further internal consultations, including a gathering of district presidents. At the same time, the party establishment has warned of disciplinary action, calling some of these moves a violation of party statutes. A meeting of the central disciplinary committee has been convened to review the situation.
Differences between the two sides have also widened in their approach to the arrest of Lekhak, with one camp taking a softer stance and the other adopting a more confrontational position.
The growing standoff has raised concerns among leaders about a possible split within the party. Calls for unity have emerged from within, with senior figures urging members to remain together despite the deepening crisis.
As parallel structures and decisions continue to take shape, the party faces mounting pressure to resolve internal divisions before they further weaken its political standing.