KATHMANDU: Recent developments surrounding the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Framework and a gathering held in Koshi Province have ignited controversy within the Nepali Congress (NC).
Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli signed the Belt and Road Initiative Cooperation Framework during his visit to China last week.
However, Nepali Congress leader Shekhar Koirala has raised concerns, arguing that some aspects of the framework remain undisclosed, according to an NC insider.
Koirala fears that the party is unintentionally aligning with Prime Minister Oli’s foreign policy.
An NC leader warned that if the party fails to engage in an internal review, it risks losing its ideological direction.
“It is high time the Nepali Congress carefully examines its position,” the leader stated, adding that the BRI issue will continue to stir controversy within the party.
Meanwhile, the establishment faction is also preparing for the convention. Party insiders suggest that General Secretary Gagan Thapa’s active participation in events across the country is in preparation for the convention.
According to NC Spokesperson Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat, leaders requested clarification on the BRI Framework during a meeting on Monday.
However, Prime Minister Oli and Foreign Minister Arzu Rana have both emphasized that the agreement with China involves grants, not loans.
Minister Rana clarified that no loans were part of the agreement, stating, “We have signed a cooperation-based project under the BRI, with no mention of loans. Any loans would require the approval of the receiving country. If we don’t need them, how can the giving country force us? Therefore, it’s unfounded to suggest that the government signed an agreement to take loans.”
Meanwhile, NC leader Kedar Karki dismissed Rana’s statement, accusing the government of misleading the public by claiming there would be no loans under the BRI.
On the other hand, Rana reiterated that, according to the BRI agreement, projects will proceed only with the consent of both countries, ensuring Nepal maintains control over the process.
The controversy deepened when the Shekhar Koirala faction held a meeting in Morang, where tensions between factions within the Nepali Congress flared.
Leaders from the Koirala faction have shown growing aggression toward General Secretary Gagan Thapa, who had attempted to prevent the Koshi meeting, though his efforts were unsuccessful. The Deuba faction has accused the meeting of being factional.
Shekhar Koirala has recently intensified his activities in Morang, where he holds significant influence.
While the BRI-related disputes and factional gatherings continue to escalate, the real focus for Nepali Congress leaders is the upcoming general convention. Leaders are increasingly divided over even the smallest of issues.
The party’s general convention is scheduled for 2082 BS, and Koirala is pushing for it to be held on time.
He has been holding gatherings to gauge the mood of party leaders and workers.
Meanwhile, the establishment faction is also preparing for the convention. Party insiders suggest that General Secretary Gagan Thapa’s active participation in events across the country is in preparation for the convention.
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