Kathmandu — Senior Congress leader Sujata Koirala has said that the current leadership change inside Nepal’s main opposition party should not be seen as a split. She called for unity and calm at a time when the party is going through internal change.
Speaking in Kathmandu, Koirala said leadership change is normal in democratic parties. According to her, differences of opinion do not mean the party is breaking apart.
“Every political party changes with time,” she said. “This should not be taken as division.”
Her remarks come as Gagan Thapa has emerged as a stronger leadership figure following recent organisational and legal developments inside the Nepali Congress.
Party Still United, She Says
Koirala made it clear that the Nepali Congress still exists as one party. She said debates and disagreements are common, especially in large democratic organisations. What matters, she added, is dialogue and mutual understanding.
She warned party members and the public not to exaggerate internal discussions or legal arguments. According to her, such debates should stay within the party framework.
Silent Support for New Leadership
While Koirala did not openly endorse anyone, her comments were seen as accepting the new leadership reality inside the party. Political observers say her position could help reduce tension between senior leaders and the younger group now taking charge.
Koirala has often played a balancing role during difficult moments in the party. This time too, her message focused more on stability than confrontation.
Bigger Political Picture
The Nepali Congress has been facing internal questions for months, including who should lead and how the party should move forward. These debates are happening at a time when Nepal’s opposition politics remains divided and uncertain.
Koirala’s comments suggest that senior leaders may be ready to adjust to a generational shift rather than block it.
What Comes Next
It is still unclear how smoothly the transition will continue. Internal differences have not fully disappeared. But Koirala’s statement has changed the tone of the debate. Instead of talk about party break-up, the focus is now on managing change.
For Nepal’s oldest democratic party, how it handles this transition could decide its future role in national politics.
