"effectively split"

#13203930

16 January 2026

Former Home Minister and Senior Nepali Congress leader Bimalendra Nidhi (center in black overcoat) is escorted by a group of cadres outside the Election Commission 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.

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#13203942

16 January 2026

Leaders from the Sher Bahadur Deuba-led faction within the Nepali Congress attend a meeting with Election Commission officials 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.

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#13203946

16 January 2026

Leaders from the Sher Bahadur Deuba-led faction within the Nepali Congress attend a meeting with Election Commission officials 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.

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#13203951

16 January 2026

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.

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#13203954

16 January 2026

Acting Nepali Congress President Purna Bahadur Khadka addresses the meeting held 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.

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#13203961

16 January 2026

Senior Nepali Congress leader Shekhar Koirala addresses the meeting held 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.

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#13203966

16 January 2026

Senior Nepali Congress leader Shekhar Koirala (standing) addresses the meeting held 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.

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#13203970

16 January 2026

Acting Nepali Congress President Purna Bahadur Khadka (center) gestures as he walks out of the Election Commission after attending the meeting with officials 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.

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#13203977

16 January 2026

Leaders from the Sher Bahadur Deuba-led faction within the Nepali Congress attend a meeting with Election Commission officials 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.

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#13203983

16 January 2026

Acting Nepali Congress President Purna Bahadur Khadka addresses the meeting held 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.

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#13204034

16 January 2026

Bishwo Prakash Sharma, Deputy President of the Nepali Congress, addresses the meeting held at the Election Commission in Kathmandu, Nepal, on January 16, 2026, to stake claims over the party ownership. The Election Commission decides to grant official recognition to the Nepali Congress led by Gagan Thapa. A meeting of the Commission concludes that the faction headed by Thapa is the legitimate Nepali Congress. With this decision, the party's election symbol, the tree, and the four-star flag formally go to the Thapa-led faction. The decision effectively transfers the party's legacy to Thapa, who is elected party president through the second special general convention held from January 11 until the morning of January 15. The convention, organized in Kathmandu, declares Thapa as the new party chief. Leaders and cadres from both the Gagan Thapa-led and Sher Bahadur Deuba-led factions appear before the Election Commission to present their respective claims and arguments. Following the decision, supporters of both factions gather outside the Commission's office. While Thapa's supporters celebrate the ruling, cadres aligned with Deuba stage protests and chant slogans, expressing dissatisfaction with the decision. 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.

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#13204066

16 January 2026

Nepal Police in riot gear form a human barricade outside the Election Commission in Kathmandu, Nepal, on January 16, 2026. The Election Commission decides to grant official recognition to the Nepali Congress led by Gagan Thapa. A meeting of the Commission concludes that the faction headed by Thapa is the legitimate Nepali Congress. With this decision, the party's election symbol, the tree, and the four-star flag formally go to the Thapa-led faction. The decision effectively transfers the party's legacy to Thapa, who is elected party president through the second special general convention held from January 11 until January 15 morning. The convention, organized in Kathmandu, declares Thapa as the new party chief. The leaders and cadres from both the Gagan Thapa-led and Sher Bahadur Deuba-led factions appear before the Election Commission to present their respective claims and arguments. Following the decision, supporters of both factions gather outside the Commission's office. While Thapa's supporters celebrate the ruling, cadres aligned with Deuba stage protests and chant slogans, expressing dissatisfaction with the decision. 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.

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#13204067

16 January 2026

Leaders from the Gagan Kumar Thapa faction within the Nepali Congress sit on the street outside the Election Commission in Kathmandu, Nepal, on January 16, 2026, waiting for the decision of the electoral body after the commencement of the special general convention of the party. The Election Commission decides to grant official recognition to the Nepali Congress led by Gagan Thapa. A meeting of the Commission concludes that the faction headed by Thapa is the legitimate Nepali Congress. With this decision, the party's election symbol, the tree, and the four-star flag formally go to the Thapa-led faction. The decision effectively transfers the party's legacy to Thapa, who is elected party president through the second special general convention held from January 11 until the morning of January 15. The convention, organized in Kathmandu, declares Thapa as the new party chief. Leaders and cadres from both the Gagan Thapa-led and Sher Bahadur Deuba-led factions appear before the Election Commission to present their respective claims and arguments. Following the decision, supporters of both factions gather outside the Commission's office. While Thapa's supporters celebrate the ruling, cadres aligned with Deuba stage protests and chant slogans, expressing dissatisfaction with the decision. 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.

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#13204069

16 January 2026

Leaders from the Gagan Kumar Thapa faction within the Nepali Congress sit on the street outside the Election Commission in Kathmandu, Nepal, on January 16, 2026, waiting for the decision of the electoral body after the commencement of the special general convention of the party. The Election Commission decides to grant official recognition to the Nepali Congress led by Gagan Thapa. A meeting of the Commission concludes that the faction headed by Thapa is the legitimate Nepali Congress. With this decision, the party's election symbol, the tree, and the four-star flag formally go to the Thapa-led faction. The decision effectively transfers the party's legacy to Thapa, who is elected party president through the second special general convention held from January 11 until the morning of January 15. The convention, organized in Kathmandu, declares Thapa as the new party chief. Leaders and cadres from both the Gagan Thapa-led and Sher Bahadur Deuba-led factions appear before the Election Commission to present their respective claims and arguments. Following the decision, supporters of both factions gather outside the Commission's office. While Thapa's supporters celebrate the ruling, cadres aligned with Deuba stage protests and chant slogans, expressing dissatisfaction with the decision. 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.

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#13204070

16 January 2026

Leaders from the Gagan Kumar Thapa faction within the Nepali Congress sit on the street outside the Election Commission in Kathmandu, Nepal, on January 16, 2026, waiting for the decision of the electoral body after the commencement of the special general convention of the party. The Election Commission decides to grant official recognition to the Nepali Congress led by Gagan Thapa. A meeting of the Commission concludes that the faction headed by Thapa is the legitimate Nepali Congress. With this decision, the party's election symbol, the tree, and the four-star flag formally go to the Thapa-led faction. The decision effectively transfers the party's legacy to Thapa, who is elected party president through the second special general convention held from January 11 until the morning of January 15. The convention, organized in Kathmandu, declares Thapa as the new party chief. Leaders and cadres from both the Gagan Thapa-led and Sher Bahadur Deuba-led factions appear before the Election Commission to present their respective claims and arguments. Following the decision, supporters of both factions gather outside the Commission's office. While Thapa's supporters celebrate the ruling, cadres aligned with Deuba stage protests and chant slogans, expressing dissatisfaction with the decision. 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.

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#13204071

16 January 2026

Nepal Police in riot gear form a human barricade outside the Election Commission in Kathmandu, Nepal, on January 16, 2026. The Election Commission decides to grant official recognition to the Nepali Congress led by Gagan Thapa. A meeting of the Commission concludes that the faction headed by Thapa is the legitimate Nepali Congress. With this decision, the party's election symbol, the tree, and the four-star flag formally go to the Thapa-led faction. The decision effectively transfers the party's legacy to Thapa, who is elected party president through the second special general convention held from January 11 until January 15 morning. The convention, organized in Kathmandu, declares Thapa as the new party chief. The leaders and cadres from both the Gagan Thapa-led and Sher Bahadur Deuba-led factions appear before the Election Commission to present their respective claims and arguments. Following the decision, supporters of both factions gather outside the Commission's office. While Thapa's supporters celebrate the ruling, cadres aligned with Deuba stage protests and chant slogans, expressing dissatisfaction with the decision. 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.

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