KATHMANDU: The Election Commission has officially recognized the Nepali Congress led by Gagan Thapa as the legitimate party. The decision was made on Friday after the Commission updated party records in accordance with Section 51 of the Political Parties Act.
Acting Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari and Election Commissioner Janaki Tuladhar endorsed the Thapa faction as the official Nepali Congress. However, Commissioner Sagun Shumsher Rana recorded a dissenting opinion on the decision.
The recognition follows a special general convention held by the Thapa group in Kathmandu from Poush 27 to 30 (mid-January). The convention elected Gagan Thapa as party president along with other office-bearers.
Based on the outcomes of the special convention, Thapa and the newly elected officials submitted an application to the Election Commission on Thursday seeking an update of party details. After reviewing the submission, the Commission granted official recognition to the Thapa-led faction.
Earlier on Friday morning, leaders aligned with the Sher Bahadur Deuba faction, including Purna Bahadur Khadka, had also submitted a petition claiming legitimacy as the official Nepali Congress. However, the Commission ruled in favor of the Thapa faction.
With this recognition, the Thapa-led Nepali Congress will retain ownership of the party’s election symbol—the tree—and the four-star party flag.
