Internal rift deepens in Nepali Congress as rival faction holds meeting

Kathmandu. The meeting between the Sher Bahadur Deuba and Dr. Shekhar Koirala (non-establishment) factions of the Nepali Congress continues today. The meeting, which began yesterday, is ongoing at the Smart Hotel in Maharajgunj. Leader Laxmi Khatiwada stated that the meeting, which was adjourned yesterday to resume today, has been in session for half an hour.

The dispute within the Congress has intensified after the non-establishment faction called for a meeting of the Central Working Committee elected from the 14th General Convention. Leaders state that the meeting being held under the chairmanship of Purna Bahadur Khadka is informal. Gandaki Province Chief Minister Surendra Pandey is also participating in the meeting.

Pandey, who did not participate in yesterday's meeting, joined today. Sarita Prasai, Govinda Bahadur Shah, and Goma Bhattarai, who were also absent yesterday, are present at the meeting today.

Leaders reported that while 84 people attended yesterday's meeting, 88 are participating today. A total of 114 leaders were invited to attend the meeting.