Nepali Congress rival factions Leaders criticize party president Gagan Thapa
Dr. Shashank Koirala—son of BP—stated that the leadership should take the initiative to reach a consensus, most speakers asserted that the entire blame for a potential party split would rest on President Thapa. The dissident faction is preparing to move forward by holding a parallel general convention if no consensus is reached by August 14.
KATHMANDU:- Leaders from the rival faction of the Nepali Congress criticized Party President Gagan Thapa during a program organized to mark the 44th memorial day of the party’s founding leader, BP Koirala.
At the event held on Wednesday at the Nepal Academy in Kamaladi, Kathmandu, the majority of speakers criticized President Thapa’s working style.
Durlabh Thapa, the Bhaktapur District President and former MP—who was the first speaker at the program—alleged that the leadership emerging from the special general convention had tarnished the party’s reputation. His call for the assembled cadres to take over the party office in Sanepa was met with jeers from the hall.
Student leaders also leveled serious allegations against President Thapa. Sushant Basnet, the Free Student Union (FSU) President of Shanker Dev Campus, accused Thapa’s cadres of involvement in the vandalism and looting at the residence of former President Sher Bahadur Deuba.
Similarly, student leader Srijana Malla and former student leader Kundan Raj Kafle questioned Thapa’s remarks and standing. Observing that President Ramchandra Paudel also played a role in the deterioration of the country’s situation, Kafle remarked that the party had reached the verge of a split.
National Assembly member Jeetjung Basnet leveled allegations against Thapa by linking him to the army and expressed outrage over the Supreme Court’s verdict.
Former Chief Minister of Koshi Province Kedar Karki accused Thapa by citing past incidents, while former Minister Mohan Basnet and Kanchharam Tamang pointed out the need to form a new party, stating that collaboration with Thapa was not possible.
Sudurpaschim Province President Bir Bahadur Balayar also signaled his readiness to form a new party.
At the event, senior leader Dr. Shekhar Koirala warned that an authoritarian style was being adopted within the party and that Thapa would have to bear the responsibility if a disaster occurred.
Leader Bimalendra Nidhi alleged ideological deviation, while leaders Krishna Prasad Sitaula and Prakash Man Singh claimed there was a conspiracy to hijack the party.
Although Dr. Shashank Koirala—son of BP—stated that the leadership should take the initiative to reach a consensus, most speakers asserted that the entire blame for a potential party split would rest on President Thapa. The dissident faction is preparing to move forward by holding a parallel general convention if no consensus is reached by August 14.
