Nepali Congress Leadership Rift Deepens as Deuba Returns to Chundevi While Gagan Leads Central Committee Meeting in Sanepa

Kathmandu, August 13: The internal leadership dispute within the Nepali Congress has taken a dramatic turn, with two separate power centres becoming visible in the capital. Former party president Sher Bahadur Deuba returned to Nepal on Thursday after around five and a half months in Singapore and went directly to the Chundevi office of the party’s rival faction, where he was welcomed as “President.”

At the same time, Nepali Congress President Gagan Kumar Thapa was holding a Central Committee meeting at the party’s Sanepa headquarters. The contrasting activities in Chundevi and Sanepa have highlighted the deepening leadership dispute within Nepal’s oldest major political parties, with the two camps continuing to recognize different leaders and positions.

Deuba Returns After Five and a Half Months

Deuba left Nepal in February for medical treatment and spent several months abroad, including time in Singapore and Hong Kong. He returned to Kathmandu on Thursday after travelling through Thailand. A large number of Congress leaders and supporters gathered at Tribhuvan International Airport to welcome him before he headed toward his temporary residence and the Chundevi area.

His return has attracted major political attention because it comes at a sensitive time for the Nepali Congress. The party has been divided between supporters of the leadership established by the special general convention and leaders who continue to recognize Deuba as the legitimate president from the previous party structure.

Why Chundevi and Sanepa Matter

The difference between Chundevi and Sanepa has now become a powerful symbol of the Congress leadership dispute.

The group opposing the special general convention has been operating from Chundevi after leaving the main party office in Sanepa. When Deuba arrived, a separate room carrying a nameplate identifying him as “Sher Bahadur Deuba, President” was reportedly prepared at the Chundevi office.

Meanwhile, the official Congress office in Sanepa continued its regular activities under Gagan Thapa’s leadership, with Thapa chairing the Central Committee meeting. This has created an unusual situation in which rival groups are conducting political activities from separate offices while claiming different positions on who represents the party.

Gagan’s Leadership Faces Deuba’s Challenge

Gagan Thapa became party president through the special general convention held after growing pressure for a change in Congress leadership. The new leadership presented itself as an attempt to reform and rebuild the party.

However, Deuba’s supporters have refused to accept the special convention and have continued to treat Deuba as the legitimate party president. The dispute is therefore not simply about personalities. It involves questions about the validity of the special general convention, the party’s organizational structure and the authority of its leadership.

The division has already produced parallel political activities. Reports indicate that the opposition group is preparing a national gathering in Kathmandu, with Deuba expected to play a central role. The gathering is being viewed as an important test of the strength of the Deuba camp.

Deuba’s Return Could Decide Congress’ Next Move

Deuba’s return comes at a time when the party is preparing for another major organizational phase. The Congress has set October for its 15th general convention, while the opposing faction continues to challenge the political consequences of the special convention.

The coming days could therefore be important for determining whether the two sides move toward reconciliation or further confrontation. Deuba’s public statements and his participation in the opposition group’s national gathering are expected to provide a clearer picture of his political plans.

Congress leaders have also publicly acknowledged that Deuba’s position could influence whether the party moves toward unity or deeper division.

A Major Test for Nepali Congress

The current situation presents one of the biggest organizational challenges for the Nepali Congress in recent years. Gagan Thapa’s camp is working from the official party headquarters and preparing to move forward under the new leadership structure, while Deuba’s supporters are maintaining a separate political base and continuing to recognize him as president.

For Congress workers and supporters, the central question is now whether the party can overcome the leadership dispute before it causes deeper organizational damage. With the 15th general convention approaching, the struggle between Sanepa and Chundevi could shape the future direction of one of Nepal’s oldest political parties.