Prakash Kafle/Kathmandu. After facing an unexpected electoral setback, Nepali Congress President Gagan Thapa has decided to step down, accepting responsibility for the outcome. Sources indicate that he has already submitted his resignation to Vice President Bishwo Prakash Sharma, although the party has not yet issued any official confirmation.
The matter is expected to be formally addressed during the Central Working Committee meeting scheduled for Chaitra 6, where a final decision on whether to accept the resignation will be made. Party insiders say that while the resignation itself is the president’s prerogative, its approval ultimately depends on the committee.
Earlier, a special general convention held in late Poush at Bhrikutimandap resulted in the formation of a new central committee under Thapa’s leadership. However, the legitimacy of that convention remains under legal scrutiny, with a case still pending in the Supreme Court filed by former president Sher Bahadur Deuba and senior leader Purna Bahadur Khadka.
Interestingly, leaders who initially opposed the convention later participated in the electoral process conducted under Thapa’s leadership. The convention itself was called after Thapa and Sharma secured backing from 54% of the representatives—well above the 40% threshold required by party rules.
When the Deuba faction attempted to delay the process citing various reasons, Thapa’s group moved ahead and organized the convention despite internal tensions. This led to the dissolution of the previous committee and the establishment of a new 134-member body.
Subsequently, the Election Commission recognized the legitimacy of the new structure, officially endorsing the leadership formed through the convention.
