Nepali Congress faces division as factions hold separate conventions

On October 4, 2026, the Nepali Congress kicked off its 15th General Convention in Kathmandu, led by Gagan Thapa's faction. The event, which was inaugurated by Thapa at Khula Manch, signaled the beginning of discussions among over 7,700 delegates despite the underlying tensions within the party. Key party figures including Pushpa Kamal Dahal, Baburam Bhattarai, and Shankar Pokharel attended the inaugural session, while the former party president Sher Bahadur Deuba notably opted to stay away from the proceedings [1].

The convention, however, is mired in controversy as the Deuba faction announced a competing general convention for December 7 to 9, thus creating a parallel schedule in direct opposition to Thapa's event. The situation underscores a significant fracture within the party regarding its organizational legitimacy, with both sides claiming to be the rightful representation of the Nepali Congress [2].

Reports from the previous days indicated that the Deuba faction had firmly decided on pursuing a separate convention after rejecting the process led by Thapa. MyRepublica reported that this faction has been preparing for its gathering with ward-level conventions already initiated from October 1, echoing the party’s divisions [3].

Further complicating matters, the Supreme Court intervened in the conflict, with a refusal to register a petition aimed at halting the rival conventions. This legal backdrop highlights the seriousness of the internal discord, as the party has effectively splintered into three distinct camps: those loyal to Thapa, Deuba, and Shekhar Koirala. This fragmentation is marked by ongoing shifts in alliances among party leaders as they navigate this turbulent period [4].

Despite these challenges, Thapa's convention proceeded as planned. The gathering continued into October 5 and 6, with closed sessions scheduled following the inaugural day, maintaining an atmosphere of business as usual amid the larger struggle for control within the party. Reports noted that Thapa's faction remains determined to advance its agenda despite the absence of Deuba from the proceedings [5].

Ultimately, this unfolding situation points to a growing crisis within the Nepali Congress, with the October 4 convention representing not just a routine meeting but a manifestation of a deep-seated organizational rift that poses questions for the party's future direction and unity. While Thapa's side asserts its legitimacy through the ongoing convention, Deuba's faction waits to establish its claim in December, illustrating that the contest for leadership and party identity is far from over [2].

Sources

• [1] Nepali Congress 15th general convention kicks off in Kathmandu
• [2] More Congress leaders return to mainstream as general convention begins today
• [3] Deuba faction moves ahead with parallel Congress convention
• [4] SC refuses to register petition seeking to halt NC factions’ general conventions - myRepublica - The New York Times Partner, Latest news of Nepal in English, Latest News Articles | Republica
• [5] Thousands head to Khula Manch for Nepali Congress convention

Researched and edited with AI assistance.

Featured image: AI-generated representative image.