Kathmandu: The second special general convention of the Nepali Congress has unanimously elected a new working committee under the leadership of Gagan Kumar Thapa. The announcement was made late Wednesday night from the convention venue at Bhrikuti Mandap.

The special general convention, initially scheduled for two days from last Sunday, was extended to four days as the election process continued from Tuesday.

Thapa Claims End to Factionalism
Addressing the convention after his election, newly elected party president Gagan Kumar Thapa declared that the Nepali Congress is now free from nepotism and internal factions.

“The Nepali Congress has been liberated from all forms of nepotism and factionalism from today,” Thapa said. “There is no 60 group or 40 group anymore. We are all one.”

He added that the long-standing demand of party workers to end factional politics had finally been fulfilled and pledged to move the party forward in unity, making it inclusive for all citizens.

Background to the Special Convention
The special general convention was convened after prolonged internal disputes within the party. According to Article 17 (2) of the party statute, 54.58 percent of general convention delegates demanded a special convention on Asoj 29, prompting then general secretaries Gagan Thapa and Bishwaprakash Sharma to call the gathering.

Earlier, the central working committee had decided to hold a regular general convention from Poush 26. However, delays in finalizing active party members, attributed to the Sher Bahadur Deuba faction, prevented the regular convention from taking place.

Escalation of Internal Conflict
After efforts by Thapa and Sharma to reach consensus with the Deuba group failed, the dispute escalated. Sher Bahadur Deuba convened a meeting of leaders close to him and announced the five-year suspension of Thapa, Sharma and Joint General Secretary Farmulla Mansur.

In response, the special general convention dissolved the existing central working committee on Tuesday evening and initiated the election process for a new ad hoc committee, culminating in Wednesday’s unanimous election.

Party Split and Legal Uncertainty
Leaders aligned with the convention accused Deuba of splitting the party for personal interests, recalling a similar split in 2059 BS. With two rival claims over party leadership now emerging, the matter is expected to reach the Election Commission.

The decision on which faction will be officially recognized as the Nepali Congress now rests with the Commission, as the party faces yet another critical test of unity.