Archive · 18 Jan 2026
Nepali Congress Factional Dispute Heads to Supreme Court
There is a big argument in the Nepali Congress party.
Two groups, one led by Sher Bahadur Deuba and the other by Gagan Thapa, both say they are the real leaders.
The Election Commission said Thapa's group is the real one, but Deuba's group doesn't agree and is going to the Supreme Court to fight this decision.
They are in a hurry because they need to choose people for the upcoming elections.
The elections are happening soon, and the Deuba group is worried they might not get a chance to pick their own people if the Supreme Court doesn't help them.
The Nepali Congress has split into two factions led by Sher Bahadur Deuba and Gagan Thapa.
The Election Commission recognized the leadership of Gagan Thapa's faction.
Deuba's faction plans to challenge the decision in the Supreme Court.
The deadline for nominating candidates under the First-Past-The-Post system is January 20.
The parliamentary elections are scheduled for March 5.
- Who
- Sher Bahadur Deuba and Gagan Thapa factions of the Nepali Congress
- What
- Legitimacy dispute over party leadership
- When
- Decision by Election Commission on January 19, Supreme Court action to follow
- Where
- Kathmandu, Nepal
- Why
- Election Commission recognized Thapa's leadership, Deuba faction disputes the decision
- Factions Involved
- Sher Bahadur Deuba and Gagan Thapa
- Election Commission Decision
- Recognized Gagan Thapa's leadership
- Supreme Court Action
- Deuba faction to file case
- Election Deadline
- January 20 for FPTP nominations
- Parliamentary Elections
- Scheduled for March 5
- FPTP Seats
- 165
- Proportional Representation Seats
- 110