KATHMANDU: In a surprising turn of events, Nepali Congress (NC) leader Dr. Shekhar Koirala and General Secretary Gagan Thapa engaged in a three-hour “secret meeting” at the residence of leader Arjun Narsingh KC.

This rendezvous follows the Koshi rebellion, during which Dr. Koirala formed a government with CPN-UML, causing a rift between him and Thapa.

Leader KC, also Thapa’s father-in-law, took on the role of mediator to bring about reconciliation between Shekhar and Gagan.

Monday’s meeting was initiated by leader KC, who played a crucial role in facilitating dialogue between the estranged political figures.

A source close to the Nepali Congress said, “There was a three-hour discussion between Shekhar and Gagan at the residence of leader KC yesterday.”

This development led Dr. Koirala to postpone a scheduled meeting to the following day, with Gagan expressing readiness to attend.

During the meeting, Thapa voiced his displeasure, stating that there was a lack of group discussion when decisions were made regarding the Koshi rebellion.

The source disclosed, “It means that there was no discussion between them while taking the decision of Koshi Province.”

Both leaders affirmed their unity in focusing on the upcoming 15th National Convention.

Despite associations with NC leaders Bishwa Prakash Sharma and Pradeep Paudel, who are reportedly in talks to join the group, both Shekhar and Gagan are actively preparing for the party president.

In Monday’s meeting, a consensus emerged that the working style of NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba would not improve, leading Shekhar and Gagan to explore new approaches.

The leaders emphasized the need for a reformist movement within the party, calling for an accelerated process during the upcoming Mahasamiti meeting.

They stressed the importance of formulating policies to guide the party in the right direction, aiming to transform it in preparation for the next convention.

NC leader KC acknowledged the complexity of current political issues and corruption scandals in the country.