Nepal Tarun Dal Faces Leadership Dispute Amidst Calls for Adherence to Statute

Kathmandu. Voices are being raised demanding the formation of an ad-hoc committee in the Nepal Tarun Dal, a sister organization of the Nepali Congress, in accordance with the statute. The decision of the Central Working Committee of the Nepali Congress held on Jestha 21 to dissolve all sister organizations that could not hold their general convention within the schedule has sparked a tug-of-war for new leadership in Tarun Dal.

Following the resignation of the then Central President Bidhan Gurung, the responsibility to make necessary arrangements for the general convention of Tarun Dal and other sister organizations, which were automatically dissolved, has been given to President Gagan Thapa. Although an ad-hoc committee has been formed in the Women's Association as per the decision, a dispute has arisen in Tarun Dal regarding adherence to the statute.

 Leaders and cadres of Tarun Dal have warned of forming a 'parallel committee' if such a situation arises, citing that preparations are underway to select leadership against the statute.

The statute of Nepal Tarun Dal (Seventh Amendment), passed by the working committee led by Gagan Thapa, the then General Secretary and current President of the Nepali Congress, clearly defines the qualifications for the post of President in Article 43, Sub-section (2).

According to the statute, to become President, one must have at least one term experience as a member of the Central Working Committee or have led as a Province or District President for one term. Additionally, there is a provision that at least 10 years of full membership in the organization must be completed.

Meanwhile, young leaders have raised questions, stating that the party leadership is trying to make appointments outside the statute in the name of special necessity. They argue that it is morally wrong for those who considered the provisions of Article 17, Sub-sections (2) and (5) of the statute as the basis for legality to reach leadership yesterday, to try to violate the statute in sister organizations today.

'If access and personal choice become dominant over struggle, contribution, and the statute, how can the trust of the youth be maintained?' cadres have expressed their anger.

On the other hand, regarding the formation of the ad-hoc committee of Tarun Dal, General Secretary of the Nepali Congress, Pradip Poudel, stated that the party can make necessary decisions in special circumstances. Poudel said, 'The party gives the statute to the sister organizations. The party can make decisions keeping in mind special needs. It is not necessary to have exactly the number of members or office bearers specified in the statute; an 11 to 13-member plain committee can also be formed.'

General Secretary Poudel said that discussions are underway regarding the formation of ad-hoc committees for all sister organizations. Some believe that if the law is violated in an influential youth organization like Tarun Dal, it could affect the trust in the party and the morale of the entire youth generation.

 A leader of Tarun Dal claimed that although it is heard that Manish Koirala will be made the president, he is not qualified if the statute is to be followed. He stated that Koirala has not even been a central member so far.