Himal Press 
Nain Singh Mahar is among NC leaders making efforts for unity for the past two months.
KATHMANDU: Efforts to end the growing internal rift between two factions of the Nepali Congress (NC) have intensified in recent days.
Although leaders from both sides have repeatedly expressed a willingness to reunite, it is not happening as neither is ready to budge from their stance.
NC has virtually split into two camps following a Special General Committee in December that elected a new leadership under Gagan Kumar Thapa.
Nain Singh Mahar, who has been facilitating talks between the two camps for the past two months, told Himal Press on Sunday that leaders were ready to unite but have not been able to do so.
“We have been making continuous efforts over the past two months. While both sides are positive, the process has yet to be translated into action,” he added.
According to Mahar, a national unity gathering is being held in Kathmandu at 11 am on Wednesday under the “Let’s Unite the Nation and the Congress” campaign. The event aims to bring leaders from both factions onto a common platform and send a message of party unity.
“We will continue our efforts for a few more days. If leaders from both sides can participate in that gathering and speak with one voice, it will help create a conducive environment for reconciliation,” he said.
Mahar claimed that the gathering would bring together representatives from all 753 local governments, as well as participants representing various sectors, communities and social groups across the country.
According to the organizers, years of factional politics, internal disagreements and mistrust have weakened the party. “Since a weakened NC will weaken the country’s democratic forces, party unity is a responsibility tied to both democracy and the national interest,” they say.
Meanwhile, the dissident faction of the party is also preparing to hold a separate national gathering in Kathmandu from August 14 to 16. The faction has formed a 551-member main organizing committee under the leadership of Dr Shashank Koirala.
The faction has said that the convention aims to strengthen the party by providing clear ideological, policy and organizational direction.
