Kathmandu: The Election Commission has formally granted legitimacy to the Nepali Congress leadership headed by Gagan Kumar Thapa, which was formed through a special general convention. A high-ranking source at the Commission confirmed that the decision was made following extensive deliberations held throughout the day.

According to the source, the Commission’s meeting examined legal provisions clause by clause before recognizing the Thapa-led leadership as legitimate. With this decision, the Nepali Congress will be officially updated in the Commission’s records under Thapa’s leadership.

Deuba Faction Warns of Protests
Meanwhile, the Sher Bahadur Deuba faction, which had also sought recognition, reacted sharply to the Commission’s decision. Leaders from the faction used strong language and warned of nationwide protests if legitimacy was denied to them.

Purna Bahadur Khadka, a leader of the Deuba faction, threatened to launch protests across the country in a manner that could affect the upcoming House of Representatives elections. Despite this pressure, the Commission proceeded with its decision based strictly on legal and procedural grounds.

Commission Stands by Legal Framework
Acting Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari had earlier stated that the Commission would take decisions strictly within the framework of the Constitution, laws, acts, procedures and established rules.

“There is a constitution, law, act and procedure. The Election Commission does not make decisions outside this framework. We follow our institutional tradition,” Bhandari had said, reiterating the Commission’s commitment to legality and due process.

He also urged all sides to focus on the election process, noting that the Commission had already published its work schedule to ensure timely conduct of the polls.

Tight Security, Celebrations and Protests
Acting Chief Election Commissioner Bhandari, along with commissioners Sagun Shumsher Jabra and Janaki Tuladhar, and the Commission Secretary, remained engaged in discussions throughout the day to resolve the dispute. The officials left the Commission premises in the evening amid tight security, after which news of the decision became public.

Following the announcement, the Deuba faction staged protests and shouted slogans, while supporters of the Thapa-led group celebrated the decision.

Background to the Dispute
On Asoj 29, 54.58 percent of general convention delegates had submitted a signed letter to then acting president Purna Bahadur Khadka, demanding a special general convention. According to the party statute, a special general convention must be held within three months if demanded by at least 40 percent of delegates.

However, the party establishment did not convene a special general convention and instead announced a regular general convention from Poush 26, without completing required procedures. That convention was later postponed to April, reportedly with the intention of holding it after elections.

In response, then General Secretaries Gagan Kumar Thapa and Bishwaprakash Sharma organized a special general convention from Poush 27 to 30, during which a new central working committee was elected.

Deuba Era Ends
The Election Commission granted legitimacy to the Thapa-led leadership on the basis that the special general convention was held in accordance with the party statute and established procedures. With this decision, the Commission has effectively ended the Deuba era in the Nepali Congress, formally recognizing Gagan Kumar Thapa as the party’s legitimate leader.