Kathmandu — The Nepali Congress is experiencing renewed internal conflict after its Disciplinary Committee sanctioned 18 leaders for allegedly obstructing party candidates during Nepal’s 2022 federal, provincial, and local elections. This development has prompted senior leader Dr. Shekhar Koirala to engage in active strategic discussions.
On Thursday, Koirala convened a meeting at his Bishalnagar secretariat in Baluwatar, gathering close associates to discuss the situation and plan next steps. The meeting included Members of Parliament, central committee members, and Youth and Sports Minister Tejulal Chaudhary.
Disciplinary Committee’s Actions and Party Reactions
The Disciplinary Committee met from June 23 to July 1, 2022 (Asar 9–17, 2079 Nepali calendar), deciding to take action against 18 individuals, including the General Secretary of Lumbini Province, a former Gandaki Province minister, and the party president of Khotang district. Charges involved violations of party rules, resulting in suspensions ranging from three months to one year and, in some cases, expulsions.
Of the five-member committee, three members support party president Sher Bahadur Deuba, while two members are close to Koirala. Koirala’s supporters expressed concerns that their objections were overlooked despite the majority vote.
Central Working Committee Meeting and Internal Divisions
These disciplinary decisions were made while the Central Working Committee meeting was simultaneously underway at the party headquarters in Sanepa from June 30 to July 7 (Asar 16–23, 2079).
The Central Committee meeting revealed divisions among leaders over the disciplinary actions. Some supported the measures as justified, while others cautioned that the sanctions could deepen factional divides within the party.
This incident underscores continuing internal tensions within the Nepali Congress, with potential implications for party unity and political strategy.
