KATHMANDU: Leaders aligned with former Nepali Congress president Sher Bahadur Deuba have begun internal discussions on the possibility of forming a separate political party following a recent court decision recognizing the leadership of Gagan Thapa.
The discussion took place during a gathering of leaders close to Deuba held at Smart Palace in Dhumbarahi on Sunday. The meeting was called by former acting party president Purna Bahadur Khadka.
The development comes after the Supreme Court of Nepal issued a verdict on Friday recognizing Thapa’s leadership in the party’s legitimacy dispute. Following the ruling, the Deuba faction has lost the legal authority to issue official statements in the party’s name.
According to a former central committee member present at the meeting, around half a dozen leaders suggested that forming a new party could be an option going forward.
Leaders including Shiva Prasad Humagain, Kundan Raj Kafle, Bir Bahadur Balayar, and Guru Baral reportedly raised the need to consider preparations for a new political party.
Some leaders argued that if the leadership under Thapa fails to provide a respectful position to those who did not participate in the party’s special general convention, remaining within the party may not be appropriate.
Leaders emphasize “respectable unity”
Speaking after the meeting, former central committee member Kundan Raj Kafle said that party unity should be based on mutual respect following the court’s decision.
“Party unity must be dignified. It cannot happen by favoring some and sidelining others. Those who did not participate in the special general convention should also be given a respectable place,” he said.
Kafle added that the gathering was mainly organized to collect suggestions from leaders currently present in Kathmandu following the new political developments.
Meanwhile, another leader Nain Singh Mahar stressed that efforts should be made to ensure a respectful unity within the party in light of the court verdict. He also said the current party leadership should take responsibility for facilitating such unity.
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