KATHMANDU: The internal conflict within the Nepali Congress between the establishment faction and the camp led by former party president Sher Bahadur Deuba is intensifying, with leader Dr. Shekhar Koirala moving ahead with separate strategic consultations.
Despite attending meetings called by former acting president, Purna Bahadur Khadka, Koirala has now begun drafting independent political strategies amid growing factional tensions.
Family members Dr. Shashank Koirala and Sujata Koirala, who had earlier aligned in discussions held at Bishalnagar a week ago, have reportedly shifted closer to the Deuba camp, deepening internal divisions.
On Thursday, Shekhar Koirala convened a separate provincial-level discussion in Kathmandu’s Opera Hotel focusing on the current political situation and future party strategy.
The meeting included former office bearers, central committee members, district presidents, MPs, provincial lawmakers, and party leaders from the Bagmati Province.
According to Koirala’s secretariat, the discussion aimed to gather suggestions for preparing a roadmap to strengthen both the party and its national direction.
Participants reportedly opposed re-updating active party memberships ahead of the 15th general convention, arguing that such a move is impractical at this stage.
They also expressed concerns that the special general convention has failed to maintain unity within the party.
Some leaders concluded that overall responsibility for unifying the party rests with its leadership, including senior figures such as Gagan Kumar Thapa.
The meeting was attended by a large group of leaders including Shashank Koirala, Bal Bahadur K.C., Dhanraj Gurung, Badri Pandey, Jeevan Pariyar, NP Saud, Deepak Giri, Sanjay Gautam, Shiva Humagain, Rajiv Koirala, Tek Prasad Gurung, Umesh Jung Rayamajhi, Dr. Govinda Raj Pokharel, Kiran Yadav, and Ganesh Lama.
Federal lawmakers Dr. Chandramohan Yadav, Urmila Thapaliya, and Gita Devkota also participated.
From the Bagmati provincial committee, leaders including General Secretary Raju Shrestha, Co-General Secretary Jeevan Dangol, and several district presidents and local leaders were present, along with over 120 participants in total.
The Congress has remained divided since a special general convention held earlier, which altered internal power dynamics within the party. While the Deuba faction continues to push for a regular convention in May, the Thapa-led camp is advocating for it to be held in September or October.
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