BIRATNAGAR: The simmering internal strife and power struggle within the Nepali Congress has bubbled to the surface in Biratnagar. On June 14, 2026, leaders of the establishment-rival faction organized a “Koshi Province-level Grand Unity Gathering” at Hotel Manaslu, questioning the working style of the current leadership, including Party President Gagan Thapa, and warning them to correct their course.

Although the primary objective of the gathering was stated to be “party unity,” the leaders spent most of their time criticizing the Party President. They alleged that democracy is being murdered within the party, the statute is being breached, and cadres are being kept in a state of fear.

The chief guest of the gathering, Dr. Shekhar Koirala, objected to the removal of ward presidents from their posts in many districts across the country without following due process.

Dr. Shekhar Koirala addressing the gathering.

“There is no reason given, no written letter. Removing ward presidents merely on verbal orders is the beginning of autocracy within the party,” Koirala said. “The Nepali Congress was born precisely to end autocracy. Ironically, today, democracy itself is in jeopardy inside the party. Such a tendency benefits neither the party nor the country’s democracy.”

He also expressed concern over the non-implementation of a five-point agreement reached with Party President Gagan Thapa in Baluwatar a month and a half ago. Mentioning that he had proposed the agreement after warnings of disciplinary action against ward and municipal presidents emerged, Koirala questioned, “The President had also agreed to the proposal, but who is stopping him from implementing it today?” Koirala read aloud the five-point proposal from the stage, which included updating active membership for the 15th General Convention, holding conventions based on old membership, and forming election committees through mutual understanding.

Cadres participating in the ‘Koshi Province-level Grand Unity Gathering’ organized by the rival faction of the Nepali Congress establishment in Biratnagar on Sunday.

He further commented that ‘populism’ has dominated politics lately and that Congress leaders are also chasing after it. Pointing out that comments like ‘he has grown old’, ‘legs of straw’, and ‘wavering’ were directed at him on social media, he said, “Let them write whatever they want on social media, I am not worried. We do not have legs of straw, nor are we wavering. We are determined to take Congress forward as a unified entity.” Warning that the government has dropped hints of an ‘early election’, he cautioned that a serious crisis would hit if the party fails to unite.

Shashank becomes emotional

Dr. Shashank Koirala, son of BP Koirala and former General Secretary, stated that he felt dejected looking at the current state of the party. He accused Party President Gagan Thapa of failing to accommodate everyone. “Tears welled up in my eyes when I reached the Koirala residence this morning,” Koirala questioned Thapa through the gathering, asking, “President ji, can you run the party alone by isolating all its leaders? Why couldn’t you unify a party that is in a divided state of mind?”

He added that nationality and democracy itself fall into crisis when a party carrying an 80-year history weakens. He claimed that the legacy built by BP and Girija Babu would vanish if the leadership takes unilateral decisions in the party.

Shashank Koirala addressing the gathering.

Sitaula’s warning

Leader Krishna Prasad Sitaula emphasized that the ‘politics of fear’ prevailing within the party must end. Revealing that cadres received threats of disciplinary action if they participated in the gathering, he took strong objection to it. “Cadres are threatened not to attend the gathering; what kind of democracy is this?” Sitaula said. “We are people who fought for human rights and freedom. Such behavior meted out to our own friends is condemnable and inhumane.”

Krishna Prasad Sitaula addressing the gathering.

Sitaula urged the leadership to rise above personal interests and settle the disputes. “Do not be afraid of what the dispute might be; matters can be settled in just 10 minutes. This courage must come from your heart,” he said, targeting Party President Thapa. “The power to write and erase lies with you; now move forward by making collective decisions.” He added that the ‘due process of law’ must be followed inside the party as well.

Gachhadar’s suggestion

Former Deputy Prime Minister Bijay Kumar Gachhadar suggested that the Party President and General Secretary learn the style of running a party from experienced leaders. Directing his remarks at President Thapa, he said, “You have become the President of the party. But learn what the roles of a President and General Secretary entail. Learn the style of running a party from your mentor Krishna Sitaula and other leaders.”

Bijay Kumar Gachhadar addressing the gathering.

Gachhadar claimed that the federal democratic republic itself would be in danger if the Congress does not remain strong. Claiming that he had given up a constituency in Sunsari for Dr. Shekhar Koirala where he used to win by a margin of 13,000 votes, he lamented that the politics of sacrifice is disappearing. “I am a man who was not afraid at a time when there were orders to be shot dead; I am not intimidated by anyone’s threats even now,” he said.

Koshi president absent

Koshi Province President Uddhav Thapa did not attend the gathering, despite it being labeled a province-level event. The gathering was presided over by the Province General Secretary, Bhupendra Rai. He stated that the gathering was not organized for the interest of any individual or faction, but to exert pressure on the leadership. “Rising above the Koirala, Deuba, or Sitaula factions, we want to unify the Congress completely,” Rai said. “The leadership must show the courage to resolve problems in a timely manner.”

In the program, which started an hour later than the scheduled time, district and regional-level leaders were allotted only three minutes each to address the floor. A system was utilized to technically cut off the microphones as soon as their time expired, though no such time limit was imposed on the top leaders.

Leaders Minendra Rijal, Bal Bahadur KC, NP Saud, and Min Bahadur Bishwakarma, among others, spoke at the event. Leaders and cadres from all 14 districts of Koshi Province were present at the gathering. Previously, when the Deuba faction held a separate gathering, the Koirala faction did not participate; however, this time, many leaders from both the Deuba and Koirala factions were seen sharing the same stage. Nevertheless, establishment-aligned leaders from Koshi Province remained absent from the gathering.