The growing Congress rift has intensified after leader Jiban Bahadur Shahi urged party members to unite or consider forming a new party, warning that parallel activities are creating serious uncertainty within the party.
Speaking at a gathering in Dhumbarahi, Kathmandu, Shahi said ongoing factional activities without reconciliation are weakening party unity. The meeting, led by senior leader Purna Bahadur Khadka, brought together leaders aligned with the Deuba faction amid rising internal tensions.
Addressing the deepening Congress rift, Shahi stated that if leaders cannot work together within the same structure, forming a new party would be a more honest option—though he stressed it is neither a preferred nor beneficial solution. He warned that continued parallel activities are only adding confusion among party members and supporters.
The divide has persisted since the special general convention held in Poush, which was boycotted by the Deuba faction. Since then, competing political activities and claims of legitimacy have shaped internal dynamics, further widening the gap within the party.
Shahi described the situation as a critical phase for the party, cautioning that prolonged internal conflict could cause long-term damage. He urged leaders to act responsibly and prioritize unity over factional interests at a time when political stability is crucial.
Calling for immediate dialogue, he emphasized the need for senior leaders to break the communication deadlock and find a negotiated solution. According to Shahi, rebuilding trust through discussion is the only way to move forward and prevent further division.
He also stressed that unity within the party is essential not only for its survival but also for protecting democratic values in the country. “This is not the time for internal fights; it is the time to strengthen unity,” he indicated during the discussion.
The Congress rift remains a major concern in Nepal’s political landscape, as continued divisions could weaken one of the country’s key democratic forces. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether dialogue can restore unity or push the party toward further fragmentation.
