NRN Dispute Escalates as General Secretary Boycotts Steering Committee Meetings Over Unresolved Demands

The dispute within the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) has flared up again. The association's General Secretary, Baburam (BR) Lama, has announced a boycott of the steering committee meeting formed for unity, alleging that the faction led by President Badri KC has not concretely addressed his demands.

He stated that while the fourteenth meeting of the office bearers clearly articulated positions on direct election systems, membership, and representation, there has been no response from the Badri KC faction regarding his proposals. He clarified that he would not participate in the committee's meetings effective immediately.

General Secretary Lama asserted that his committee, elected through the convention organized by the high-level committee as per the Supreme Court's mandamus, is fully legitimate. He noted that the opposing side's request for a 'stay order' to prevent his committee from functioning was not issued by the court, which he claimed further strengthened the legitimacy of his faction. He also accused the other side of exploiting the effort for institutional unity as a weakness.

He opined that unity achieved through pressure, disregarding the dignity of the organization and past mistakes, holds no meaning. He reiterated his firm stance that only members who paid fees within the stipulated time and were physically present in Nepal, as per the principles set by the convention held on May 3-4, 2025, should be eligible to vote.

Lama's statement mentioned, 'There is no justification for attending the steering committee meeting concerning the upcoming general convention, as it goes against the core spirit of the convention organized by the high-level committee formed through the mandamus.'

General Secretary Lama also informed that a meeting of the working committee would be called immediately to determine the future strategy. Although a schedule was published to hold the 12th General Convention from Falgun 30 to Chaitra 2, following the unity achieved on Mangsir 14, consensus has not been reached on the election system.