KATTHMANDU: Leaders from the dissident faction of the Nepali Congress on Wednesday accused the party’s establishment of showing little commitment to internal unity, warning that they could form a new political party if efforts to achieve a “respectable unity” fail.
Speaking at a separate event organized in Kathmandu to mark the 44th memorial day of BP Koirala, dissident leaders argued that the primary responsibility for uniting the party rests with party President Gagan Thapa.
The faction also announced that it will hold a national gathering in Kathmandu on August 14 (Shrawan 29) to determine its future strategy.
Senior leader Prakash Man Singh said the party had reached a point of division following the special general convention and stressed that the 15th General Convention should be held in a manner that restores unity.
Former acting party president Purna Bahadur Khadka said meaningful efforts to build a respectable unity within the party had not materialized. Describing the current situation as unprecedented in the party’s history, he said it was now the responsibility of the current leadership to reunite the party, adding that the party could not abandon its principles or surrender to anyone.
Leader Dr. Shekhar Koirala accused the party leadership of running the Nepali Congress in an authoritarian manner, saying disciplinary actions against leaders without proper explanation were unacceptable. He warned that any consequences resulting from the lack of unity efforts would be the responsibility of President Thapa.
Former vice-president Bimalendra Nidhi said the dissident camp had consistently sought unity but would be compelled to pursue a different course if its demands and the basis for an agreement were ignored. He also questioned Thapa’s leadership, saying it lacked the maturity and foresight required to lead the party.
Other leaders also accused Thapa of attempting to consolidate control over the party and urged the leadership to take internal unity seriously at a time when both democracy and the country face significant challenges.
Former vice-president Bijaya Kumar Gachhadar said the “spirit of the Nepali Congress” lay with the dissident leaders rather than the current leadership. Referring to Thapa as “like a son,” Gachhadar called on him to embrace BP Koirala’s principles of reconciliation and ensure that differing views within the party are resolved through consensus ahead of the 15th General Convention.
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