Nepali Congress leader and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak has described the recent party split as a "tragic and unpleasant" moment in history. Speaking during an interview with Nepalkhabar's talk show TATKALAI, Lekhak admitted that despite efforts to maintain unity, the division could not be averted.
Lekhak denied allegations that the leadership's "arrogance" caused the split. He claimed to have predicted this outcome three months ago, warning that a "Special Convention" would lead to division due to deep-seated discord.
Regarding demands for "generational shift" by leaders Gagan Thapa and Bishwa Prakash Sharma, Lekhak clarified that President Sher Bahadur Deuwa was already prepared to step down, having previously declared this his final term.
The primary deadlock occurred over the rival faction's demand to name a prime ministerial candidate before the elections. Lekhak argued that such a significant decision required formal party consensus, not just "WhatsApp messages."
He emphasized that this is not just an internal party issue but a threat to Nepal’s democratic system and constitution, given the party's pivotal role in national politics.
Lekhak attributed the failure to prevent the split to a lack of time, technical complexities, and the "haste" of the Special Convention proponents. He indicated that the legal battle for party authenticity will now be decided by the Election Commission.
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