Nepal’s political arena is electric with anticipation as the Supreme Court gears up to arbitrate the Nepali Congress’s leadership crisis. Sher Bahadur Deuba’s supporters, stung by the Election Commission’s nod to rival Gagan Thapa, are marching to the judiciary with guns blazing.
Friday’s commission verdict recognized Thapa’s central committee, formed at an unauthorized special convention from January 11-14. Deuba’s faction cried foul, and by Saturday, they empowered acting president Purna Bahadur Khadka to launch a Supreme Court petition—possibly as soon as Sunday—citing violations of constitutional norms, laws, and statutes.
“This one-sided ruling disregarded our evidence,” their statement blasted, framing the decision as a partisan overreach.
Thapa’s faction, fresh from victory, convened to preach unity for the March 5 polls. Spokesperson Devraj Chalise highlighted the new committee’s focus on rallying cadres, even floating Deuba for a symbolic guardian role to bridge the gap.
Time is the enemy here. January 20 marks the FPTP nomination cutoff, controlling 165 seats in the 275-strong House. PR lists are done, but FPTP dominance by Thapa could marginalize Deuba entirely. Without judicial intervention, the election battlefield tilts decisively.
Observers see this as a litmus test for institutional integrity. The Congress, Nepal’s democratic bulwark, risks implosion if discord festers. A Supreme Court injunction might pause nominations and force dialogue; rejection could cement Thapa’s reign. Either way, the fallout will echo through Nepal’s fractious politics, influencing alliances and voter sentiments in the critical vote ahead.