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Nepal’s Election Commission Recognizes Gagan Thapa-led Nepali Congress As Official Party

Acting Nepali Congress President Purna Bahadur Khadka (left in brown scarf) hands over the document to acting Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari (right in light orange coat) at the Election Commission Office after the commencement of the special general convention of the party called by rival factions led by Gagan Thapa and Bishwoprakash Sharma in Kathmandu, Nepal, on January 16, 2026. The internal rift within the Nepali Congress deepens after a special general convention is organized without the consent of party president Sher Bahadur Deuba. The convention, held at Bhrikutimandap in Kathmandu, elects Gagan Thapa as party president. Following the convention, the Deuba faction accuses Thapa and his allies of organizing an ''illegal'' gathering and subsequently expels Thapa, along with leaders Bishwa Prakash Sharma and Farmullah Mansoor, from the party. Since then, the country's oldest democratic party remains effectively split into two rival factions. (Photo by Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto)

Photo Details

Photo ID	#13203951
Date Taken	16 January 2026
Location	N/A
Photographer	Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto
Category	Politics
Copyright	© 2026 NurPhoto - Subaas Shrestha/NurPhoto

Related Keywords

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