KATHMANDU: The Nepali Congress has expelled Lumbini Province General Secretary Bikram Khanal for one year, stripping him of all party positions, including general membership.

The decision comes in response to allegations that Khanal worked against the party’s official candidates during the 2079 BS (2022) provincial and parliamentary elections.

Ananda Dhungana, Coordinator of the Central Disciplinary Committee, confirmed that the expulsion letter was sent to Khanal on Wednesday. The Lumbini Provincial Committee was also formally notified of the disciplinary action.
The complaint against Khanal was filed by Nepali Congress lawmaker and industrialist Binod Chaudhary, who accused him of undermining party candidates during the elections.

In response, the Central Disciplinary Committee sought a clarification from Khanal, but found his explanation unconvincing. “The clarification provided by Mr. Khanal regarding his alleged non-cooperation with party candidates during the 2079 (2022) elections was not satisfactory,” the committee stated in its letter.

Khanal hails from Bardaghat Municipality–10 in Nawalparasi and is considered a close ally of senior leader Dr. Shekhar Koirala.

His case reportedly sparked tensions during a Central Committee meeting, where Koirala and Binod Chaudhary clashed over the disciplinary proceedings.

Despite the expulsion, Khanal retains the right to appeal the committee’s decision.