KATHMANDU: Gagan Thapa, who became party President following the Nepali Congress party’s second special convention, has entered the election race from Sarlahi Constituency-4.
Promoting a generational shift under the “Gen-Z” narrative, Thapa restructured party leadership with nearly 78 percent new faces. However, the transition has also triggered internal unease and lingering factional tensions.
More than a month into the campaign, Thapa has yet to secure the active support of former party President Sher Bahadur Deuba. He retains significant influence in Sudurpaschim and other regions, and his absence from the campaign trail has raised concerns within the party. Leaders fear that if Deuba remains disengaged and alternative forces gain momentum, traditional Nepali Congress voters could shift their allegiance.
Other senior leaders from the former establishment faction, including former vice-president Purna Bahadur Khadka and leaders Prakash Man Singh and Ramesh Lekhak, have also maintained a low profile during the campaign. Their prolonged silence has fueled speculation that the party could face setbacks in their respective strongholds.
A leader close to Deuba said there has been no discussion about him formally joining the campaign. “We met this morning, but there was no conversation about whether Sher Bahadur Deuba would go to the election field or issue any appeal,” the leader said, dismissing what he described as a “media trial” over the matter.
According to sources, there has been no direct or telephone communication between Thapa and Deuba since the special convention concluded. “There has been no request for him to campaign or deliver speeches. How can a removed leader actively seek votes?” the source questioned, suggesting that personal and political sensitivities remain.
Some leaders argue that although factionalism is not openly visible, several influential figures remain inactive, which could affect vote mobilization in provinces such as Karnali, Sudurpaschim, and Lumbini. “Silence among key leaders is creating uncertainty,” one insider said.
Another leader close to Deuba, however, indicated a more conciliatory stance, stating that Thapa had shown respect and trust during district-level programs. “He kept everyone together and communicated transparently about the election strategy,” the leader said, adding that while past grievances remain, the larger interest of the party must prevail.
“We are facing a moral dilemma. It has not been easy to forget what happened, but the party is bigger than individuals,” the leader said, noting that efforts are being made to ensure that the Congress vote base does not shrink.
He claimed that in his constituency, the party would secure at least as many votes as in the previous election, emphasizing that increasing the vote share would depend on strategy and coordination.
Meanwhile, sources within the Deuba camp say they are awaiting a Supreme Court decision regarding the legitimacy of the special convention and the possibility of leadership reactivation through a regular convention. “The second special convention has concluded, but Deuba remains hopeful about the court’s ruling,” a source said.
As the election approaches, the extent to which internal reconciliation occurs may significantly influence Congress’s electoral performance.
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