Saturday, January 17th, 2026

Deuba-led NC to challenge Gagan Thapa recognition at Supreme Court



KATHMANDU: The Sher Bahadur Deuba faction of the Nepali Congress has rejected the Election Commission’s decision to recognize Gagan Thapa as party president.

The group made the announcement following a Central Working Committee meeting held on Saturday in Sanepa. Party spokesperson Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat said the decision was made without consulting or summoning the Deuba faction.

“The Election Commission issued a decision on the Nepali Congress without calling us or hearing our views,” Mahat said. “On the basis of this unjust decision, we cannot accept anyone as party president. Our president remains Sher Bahadur Deuba, and the acting president is Purna Bahadur Khadka. We are the legitimate representatives of the party.”

Mahat further stated that the faction plans to challenge the decision both politically and legally. “We will launch a political protest and also file a writ petition at the Supreme Court on Sunday. We believe the Supreme Court will issue a stay order against this unfair decision,” he added.

The announcement comes after the Election Commission formally recognized the leadership elected through the second special general convention, held at Bhrikuti Mandap, Kathmandu, from January 11 to 15. The decision has left the Deuba faction in a state of turmoil.

Publish Date : 17 January 2026 12:06 PM

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