Three candidates file for Nepali Congress presidency ahead of election
AI Summary
Gagan Kumar Thapa and two other candidates have filed for the Nepali Congress presidency as the party heads toward a contested election and a potential formal split.
Gagan Kumar Thapa, Shyam Krishna Khadgi, and Kishor Singh Rathore have officially filed their nominations for the presidency of the Nepali Congress as the party faces a deepening internal split.
The election committee confirmed that the three candidates registered their candidacies for the top party post ahead of the 15th General Convention election scheduled for October 8. According to OnlineKhabar English News, Shyam Krishna Khadgi was the first to file his nomination, followed by Gagan Kumar Thapa at approximately 6:30 p.m. Kishor Singh Rathore, who previously served as joint general secretary, registered his candidacy shortly after Thapa.
The nomination process occurs amid significant political tension. BBC News Nepal reports that the party has reached a state of division, with a faction led by former president Sher Bahadur Deuba declaring the current special convention illegitimate. While the Thapa-led group moves forward with the election process, the Deuba faction has announced a separate convention for December and has already conducted parallel local level meetings.
General Secretary Guru Ghimire stated that the party will proceed with the election and then update the Election Commission, asserting that only one political entity named Nepali Congress will remain. However, leaders from the Deuba camp, including Prakash Sharan Mahat, told BBC News Nepal that there is currently no possibility of unity, as both sides have established competing organizational structures.
The dispute over party legitimacy may ultimately be decided in court. BBC News Nepal noted that the Supreme Court has allowed a review of an order that granted official recognition to the Thapa faction. Political analyst Jagat Nepal observed that while the party is technically awaiting a court ruling, it is already functionally divided into two separate political entities.
Background
The Nepali Congress is preparing for its 15th General Convention following a period of internal friction. Kishor Singh Rathore, one of the current presidential candidates, was elected as joint general secretary during the party's 14th General Convention.
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