KATHMANDU, Jan 14 : As internal disputes push the Nepali Congress (NC) toward a possible split, leaders say dialogue continues between the establishment faction and the special convention supporters. While the latter are advancing the electoral schedule at Bhrikutimandap, the establishment faction is preparing to hold a central committee meeting in Sanepa.
The establishment is reportedly planning disciplinary action against General Secretaries Gagan Thapa and Bishwa Prakash Sharma, according to acting party president Purna Bahadur Khadka. Khadka added that if no consensus is reached, the party will make a decision.
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On Wednesday morning, party president Sher Bahadur Deuba met with Thapa and Sharma, urging them to cooperate and prevent a split, emphasizing his own maximum flexibility. Deuba reportedly reaffirmed that the acting president had previously decided not to sign off on direct election tickets for the House of Representatives, a stance the party would respect. However, the meeting ended without a conclusion.
Immediately after the talks, both general secretaries proceeded with the electoral program at Bhrikutimandap, while the establishment faction prepared to hold its central committee meeting in Sanepa.
Meanwhile, General Secretary Sharma submitted a new proposal, which the establishment faction is reviewing. Central committee member Ramhari Khatiwada said the faction is willing to remain flexible to prevent a party split.
“We are ready to do whatever it takes to save the party,” Khatiwada said. When asked if the establishment is willing to push Gagan Thapa as prime minister, he confirmed that the faction is indeed prepared for that as well.
