Disciplinary action in NC infuriates Shekhar faction

KATHMANDU, July 11: Factional tensions within the Nepali Congress (NC) have flared up following disciplinary action taken by the party’s Central Disciplinary Committee against leaders accused of internal betrayal during the elections nearly three years ago.

The committee, coordinated by central member Anand Prasad Dhungana, took action against 18 individuals, including Lumbini Province General Secretary Bikram Khanal, Khotang District President Bishnu Kumar Rai, and former minister of Gandaki Province Kumar Khadka. This has further angered the anti-establishment faction. After the committee’s decision on Wednesday, a meeting of the Shekhar Koirala faction held Thursday morning concluded that the action was illegitimate.

The Koirala faction described the action—carried out on the basis of a majority decision—as biased. According to one leader present at the meeting, the faction reached a conclusion to resist the "prejudiced" move, especially at a time when the party should be focusing on preparations for the upcoming federal, provincial, and local elections in 2027 and the 15th General Convention. The disciplinary action is seen as deepening factional disputes within the party.

Lawmaker Rajendra Bajagain from NC, who attended the meeting, questioned the legitimacy of the committee’s decision. He pointed out that, according to party statutes, disciplinary action must be taken within six months of receiving complaints or petitions. He also speculated that the timing of the punishment may be linked to potential alliances and candidacies in the upcoming by-elections and 2027 elections.

Leaders believe that such action, based on internal betrayal, may further weaken the party organization, which is already fragmented at the grassroots level due to factional disputes.

The committee clarified that explanations had been sought based on complaints alleging the accused worked to defeat NC and its supported candidates in the general election. As the responses were unsatisfactory, disciplinary measures were enforced.

Another leader close to Koirala, Gururaj Ghimire, claimed that before the central working committee’s meeting, the party president, vice president, and general secretary had agreed not to disclose any decisions made by the disciplinary committee. But the decision was made public regardless. He accused the committee of acting out of bias, asserting that it aimed to sideline and exclude one faction within the party.

Calling the action against the party’s constitution and regulations, Ghimire said, “This is discriminatory, factionally motivated, and aimed at eliminating the other side of the party.”

The Koirala faction has decided to raise the matter with party President Sher Bahadur Deuba. The group also decided to file an appeal against the disciplinary decision. Furthermore, the meeting decided to respond appropriately to attempts within the party to marginalize and silence rival factions.

Koirala was the closest contender for the presidency during the 14th General Convention. He is currently touring the country, preparing to run again in the upcoming convention. His supporters believe the disciplinary move is aimed at discouraging leaders close to him.

According to the party's statute, the 15th General Convention must be held by this December, but no preparations have begun. The party is considering using the constitutional provision to extend the current term by one year. Koirala. Bimalendra Nidhi, Shashank Koirala, Krishna Prasad Sitaula, Purna Bahadur Khadka, Gopalman Shrestha, Prakashman Singh, and Gagan Kumar Thapa seem to be possible contenders in the upcoming general convention for leadership. All of whom have begun preparations in their ways.