Apr 14, Kathmandu - Internal conflicts within the Nepali Congress have intensified following the initiation of disciplinary proceedings against leaders holding divergent views. The party is moving ahead with plans to strip active membership privileges from key figures, including Vice President Purna Bahadur Khadka, elected during the 14th National Convention.

Sources reveal that the disciplinary action stems from alleged violations of party discipline, with Khadka and others being accused of activities contrary to party interests. Khadka’s use of letterhead and stamps to express his views publicly has prompted the disciplinary and central executive committees to convene emergency meetings.

According to Disciplinary Committee Chair Taramana Gurung, over 500 complaints regarding activities against party discipline will be discussed. The committee is expected to recommend actions, which the Central Executive Committee is poised to approve.

Critics from within the party’s faction opposed to the move have labeled it as an authoritarian effort to suppress dissent, accusing the leadership of escalating disciplinary measures against those with differing opinions.

This internal crisis has also cast doubt over the party’s ‘Congress 2.0’ vision spearheaded by President Gagan Thapa. The situation echoes past incidents, such as the 2002 crackdown on Sher Bahadur Deuba by Girija Prasad Koirala and the subsequent split of the party, indicating a possible recurrence of old internal divisions.