KATHMANDU: As the Nepali Congress (NC) concludes its ward-level conventions, the party’s dissident faction led by former party President Sher Bahadur Deuba appears to be in disarray.
Party leaders say the faction is facing a crisis after a majority of its leaders openly aligned themselves with the establishment faction led by Gagan Kumar Thapa. They say a lackluster debate is underway within the Deuba group as it prepares to push forward with its own general convention.
The footfall of party cadres at the Chundevi-based liaison office of the faction is very low. The office remains empty largely because most leaders and cadres are busy with district-level programs. Many leaders aligned with Deuba appear in a state of confusion.
“Recent developments have caused a slowdown. We are still in discussions,” one Deuba faction leader told Himal Press.
Around 40 central-level leaders from the Deuba camp have openly backed Thapa. The dissident faction plunged into crisis after Deuba’s long-time allies and hardline leaders left his camp. Nevertheless, the Deuba faction is preparing to hold the general convention at all costs. After the party establishment announced a schedule for the general convention starting September 19, the Deuba faction also published its own schedule, with ward conventions starting on October 1.
Two leaderships, two statutes
Thapa was elected president through a special general convention earlier this year. He is governing the party as per the Nepali Congress Statute, 1960 (11th Amendment) adopted during the special convention.
The dissident faction, however, does not recognize this statute. The faction has been implementing its activities as per the Nepali Congress Statute, 1960 (10th Amendment).
“We follow the constitution of the 14th General Convention. We do not acknowledge the developments that occurred in between,” said Deuba faction leader Deepak Kuinkel.
In the party statute adopted by the special general convention, President Thapa introduced a provision that makes it mandatory for active members to renew their membership. In contrast, the Deuba faction has introduced a rule for automatic membership renewal.
“We will not exclude anyone’s membership. Those who missed out during the 14th General Convention will also have their membership automatically renewed,” Kuinkel said. “The deadline for new memberships is September 26, but it may be extended.”
Deserted by Allies
The Deuba group is under strain as longtime allies have abandoned ship. The faction fell into crisis after roughly 40 leaders led by former Joint General Secretary Mahalaxmi Upadhyay defected to the establishment faction.
Leaders of that group left the Deuba faction, stating that the party should not split into two.
Min Bishwakarma, a former Deuba ally who recently backed Thapa, said two separate parties cannot exist now. Consequently, the Deuba group is struggling to maintain its footing as a faction.
Deuba faction leader Kuinkel, however, says that preparations are underway for the general convention.
“We will hold the general convention come what may. Our leaders have already reached the villages,” Kuinkel said.
The Deuba group is hoping to win the support of Purna Bahadur Khadka and Shekhar Koirala.
Although Khadka appears close to Thapa, he remains neutral and also said that he would not participate in the convention process initiated by the establishment faction. The Deuba faction is expecting Khadka to lean toward their side. The Deuba camp also claims that Shekhar Koirala, who has been taking a middle path, is flexible toward them. Koirala had previously requested both factions to postpone their conventions and reach a consensus.
Deuba, who was actively involved in his faction’s activities after returning from Hong Kong, has not participated in any recently. Sources say he is busy in consultations.
Deuba has filed a writ petition at the Supreme Court seeking to overturn the special general convention and reinstate the party under his leadership. The case is sub judice.
“There is a possibility that the previous decision of the court will be overturned. We could return to power,” said a leader close to Deuba.
Although many leaders have defected to the establishment faction, Deuba still has the support of top leaders including Bijay Kumar Gachhadar, Krishna Prasad Sitaula, Shashank Koirala, Bimalendra Nidhi, Prakash Man Singh, NP Saud, Umakant Chaudhary, Mohan Bahadur Basnet, Deepak Kuinkel, and Prakash Sharan Mahat.
