Nepali Congress Leader Warns of Division Amidst Internal Disagreements

Kathmandu. Nepali Congress leader Dr. Shashank Koirala has warned that the Congress could reach a state of division if internal misunderstandings, mistrust, and group competition are not resolved in time.

He said this while addressing a gathering organized by the establishment- इतर group of the party in Kathmandu on Wednesday, on the occasion of BP Smriti Diwas.

Leader Koirala stated that if the party splits, Gagan Thapa and the current leadership of the party will have to bear the political and moral responsibility. He also mentioned that it is the need of the hour for responsible democratic and nationalist political forces to move forward with mature cooperation and foresight to protect the values of democracy and democratic institutions from interference and to give the country the right direction.

He emphasized that while differences in ideology are natural in a democracy, they should be taken as an opportunity to reach a common conclusion rather than a basis for division. He stated that there is no alternative for Congress but to embrace the policy of national reconciliation propounded by BP Koirala, which is based on dialogue, tolerance, and cooperation.

“BP Koirala dedicated his entire life to the nation, nationality, democracy, and civil rights,” said Dr. Koirala. “He considered politics not just a means to power but a service and returned to the country with a policy of national reconciliation. We must have the strength to face these challenges today.”

Speaking about the internal conflict within the party, he added, “On this occasion, we must not ignore the danger that the misunderstandings, mistrust, unhealthy group competition, and unnecessary disputes seen within the Nepali Congress, the leading force of the democratic movement, will weaken the party and have a negative impact on the citizens.”

Clarifying the ideological differences, he said, “Ideological differences should be seen as an opportunity to reach a common conclusion, not as a basis for division. The policy of national reconciliation, dialogue, tolerance, and the political culture of cooperation propounded by BP Koirala give this inspiration.”

Urging to abandon accusations and group interests, he said, “The need of the hour is to strengthen the party’s ideology, organization, and political unity by rising above accusations, prejudices, and group interests. I appeal to all leaders, cadres, and well-wishers to strengthen the party’s unity and cooperation.”

Warning the party leadership, Dr. Koirala further said, “The primary responsibility lies with the current leadership to address the dissatisfaction, differences, and disputes seen within the party in a timely manner and to further strengthen, energize, and unite the organization. Only if the leadership respects the dignity of all leaders and cadres and creates an environment of dialogue, consensus, and cooperation will Congress be truly united. Otherwise, if the party unity is damaged and reaches a state of division, the leadership will have to bear the political and moral responsibility for it.”

Recalling that BP Koirala dedicated his entire life to the nation, nationality, democracy, and civil rights, Dr. Koirala reiterated that the current political leadership must move forward by keeping democratic values, democratic institutions, and national interests at the center.