The Declaration to End Factionalism and Congress’s Internal Democracy

Declaring factionalism over may be the most striking message to emerge from the Nepali Congress’s 15th General Convention. But the declaration will matter only if it leads to fair, transparent and inclusive decision-making within the party.

Gagan Thapa appears to be entering the chairmanship with little competition. That gives him considerable influence, but the convention’s outcome should not be mistaken for a mandate to govern alone. Bringing the party together will require more than asking leaders to set aside their groups; it will require making room for their views, experience and contributions.

The real test will come after the convention. Are opportunities distributed fairly? Are decisions made through established party processes? Can leaders who disagree speak openly without being sidelined? The answers will show whether factionalism has truly ended or simply taken a different form.

Thapa’s challenge is to turn his strong position into a shared leadership. That means listening to senior leaders while creating meaningful opportunities for younger members, and ensuring that differences of opinion strengthen debate rather than become grounds for exclusion.

A united Congress cannot be built through declarations alone. It will depend on fair decisions, respect for dissent and institutions that work for the whole party. The convention has opened that possibility; the leadership must now make it real.