Nepali Congress Leadership Dispute Takes Center Stage

The Election Commission of Nepal has recognized the Gagan Thapa-led faction of Nepali Congress as the official party, following a split caused by failed negotiations between Thapa's and Sher Bahadur Deuba's factions. This decision has led to tension and plans for protests from the Deuba faction.

The Election Commission of Nepal has ruled in favor of the Gagan Thapa-led Nepali Congress faction, officially recognizing it as the legitimate party. This decision marks a significant setback for the rival faction led by Sher Bahadur Deuba, a former prime minister.

The split within the country's oldest and largest party occurred when negotiations between the two factions failed, leading both to submit their claims to the Election Commission. The Thapa faction had previously held a Special General Convention, electing 166 members to its executive body, a move that the Deuba faction challenged as violating party statutes.

Devraj Chalise, spokesperson for the Thapa-led group, confirmed the party's official status, while Deuba's supporters, including acting president Purna Bahadur Khadka, vowed to contest the decision robustly. The Deuba faction is planning protests, citing a conspiracy against their election efforts, just as Nepal approaches its general elections on March 5.

(With inputs from agencies.)