KATHMANDU: Internal divisions within the Nepali Congress came into sharper focus on Wednesday as rival factions observed the 44th memorial day of BP Koirala through separate events, with leaders from the dissident camp publicly raising the possibility of forming a new political party.
The establishment faction led by senior leaders organized a memorial program at Pragya Bhawan in Kamaladi, attended by leaders including Purna Bahadur Khadka, Bimalendra Nidhi, Prakash Man Singh, Krishna Prasad Sitaula and Dr. Shekhar Koirala.
However, party President Gagan Thapa, Vice President Bishwo Prakash Sharma and other establishment leaders were absent. Earlier in the day, dissident leaders had also skipped the party’s “Green Run” program, marking the memorial through separate events.
Speaking at the gathering, several dissident leaders argued that the party could no longer move forward under Thapa’s leadership and called for discussions on forming a new political force.
Leader Mohan Bahadur Basnet said the possibility of reconciliation within the party had ended and urged the leadership not to hesitate in pursuing a new political alternative. He also claimed the party had weakened under Thapa’s leadership and stressed the need to prepare for the next general convention in line with BP Koirala’s political ideals.
Former Koshi Chief Minister Kedar Karki leveled serious allegations against Thapa, accusing him of corruption and claiming he was influenced by external forces. Karki also urged the leadership to remain prepared to establish a new party if necessary.
Leader Kundan Kafle criticized President Ram Chandra Paudel, alleging that his political decisions had weakened both the Nepali Congress and the country.
Meanwhile, leader Shankar Bhandari advocated for a constitutional monarchy, arguing that BP Koirala’s policy of national reconciliation should be interpreted in that context. He also expressed dissatisfaction that the leadership had ignored the majority view in favor of Sanatan Hinduism expressed during the party’s General Convention.
The decision by the two factions to hold separate programs on BP Koirala’s memorial day, coupled with public discussions on forming a new party, has highlighted growing tensions within the Nepali Congress.
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