Deuba faction launches parallel Nepali Congress convention amid Supreme Court review

Former Nepali Congress president Sher Bahadur Deuba’s supporters will kick off ward conventions on October 1 and convene a central gathering from December 7 to 9, proceeding despite a pending Supreme Court review of the party’s leadership clash. Gagan Thapa’s faction, recognized by the Election Commission and affirmed by the Supreme Court in April, continues preparations for its 15th general convention slated for October 2-5.

Deuba and ex-acting president Purna Bahadur Khadka obtained permission to seek a judicial review, which has reopened the dispute while the earlier ruling remains in effect. The Deuba camp has organized election coordinators in 56 districts and submitted 783,836 active memberships, including renewed and new entries, to the election committee. At least two representatives aged 18-28 will be ensured at every party level.

Although Deuba returned to Nepal in August after months abroad, he has not been regularly present at the faction’s headquarters, leaving Shashank Koirala to manage day-to-day coordination. The parallel processes deepen the internal rift and could shape the Nepali Congress’s role in upcoming national politics.