Leadership clash deepens as Gagan Thapa refuses to fight elections under Deuba

KATHMANDU: A fresh dispute has surfaced inside the Nepali Congress after General Secretary Gagan Thapa publicly rejected party president Sher Bahadur Deuba’s leadership for the upcoming elections, insisting that the party must contest under a newly elected leader.

The controversy escalated after the party registered itself at the Election Commission for both the National Assembly election in February and the House of Representatives election in March using Deuba’s signature. Although Chief Secretary Krishna Prasad Paudel submitted the documents on Sunday, Thapa made it clear that this signature will not be valid for the elections.

Thapa, who has been pushing for organizational reforms alongside fellow General Secretary Bishwa Prakash Sharma, said a special general convention is now unavoidable. The duo has already submitted a memorandum with the support of 54 percent of convention representatives demanding an internal overhaul.

“Many people asked whether the party will contest under the current president’s signature. I have been saying ‘no’,” Thapa stated, highlighting that the upcoming elections cannot be fought under Deuba’s leadership. “A special general convention will elect a new president, and it is that leadership which will lead the party into the elections.”

The issue intensified as the party decided to register early for the March election, despite the legal deadline being November 26, signaling its readiness. However, Thapa dismissed this move, arguing that any election preparations must be carried out by the new leadership chosen through the special convention.

Thapa also urged party workers not to be confused by recent developments, reiterating that the current leadership cannot guide the party into the polls. “The Congress will correct the decision, elect a new president, and only then go to the Election Commission with the proper signature,” he said.

With Deuba having recently resumed active politics after treatment in Singapore, the internal conflict is expected to intensify as the party faces tight election timelines amid a deepening leadership dispute.