On February 21, Nepal’s Supreme Court ruled that the faction led by Gagan Thapa is officially recognized as the Nepali Congress. The court dismissed a legal challenge from the group supported by former prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba.
A two-judge bench, comprising Justices Saranga Subedi and Nripa Dhwoj Niroula, upheld the Election Commission’s decision to validate the party’s Central Working Committee under Thapa’s leadership. This committee was formed after a special general convention held in Kathmandu in January.
Thapa had been elected as the Nepali Congress president during a special convention from January 11 to 14 in Kathmandu. The Deuba-led faction had challenged this decision, but the Supreme Court rejected their claims, solidifying Thapa’s position as the party’s official leader.