New Delhi: Nepal's ruling Nepali Congress has started reviewing complaints against former party president and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba over allegations of violating the party constitution by organizing a parallel conference and demanding that Nepal be declared a Sanatan Hindu nation.
A meeting of the party's four-member disciplinary committee was held on Friday at the Nepali Congress office in Sanepa, Kathmandu, where the panel discussed complaints related to Deuba's recent activities.
Parallel Conference Raises Questions Within Party
The disciplinary committee reportedly took serious note of the three-day parallel conference organized by Deuba's supporters.
The committee also examined decisions taken during the gathering, including referring to Deuba as the party president, placing him in the president's chair and calling for the 15th General Convention to be held under his leadership.
The committee believes these actions may be against the party's constitution and internal procedures.
No Disciplinary Action Yet
Although the committee has reviewed the allegations, no final decision has been taken against Deuba so far.
Committee convener Taraman Gurung along with members Bajrang Nepal, Dhana Khatiwada and Ramesh Prasad Dhamala are currently examining the complaints and previous actions related to alleged anti-party activities.
Bajrang Nepal said the committee has been meeting regularly to address complaints received after the House of Representatives elections held around five months ago.
754 Complaints of Indiscipline Under Review
The disciplinary committee is also investigating around 754 complaints related to indiscipline within the party.
According to committee members, a separate party office has reportedly displayed a nameplate identifying Sher Bahadur Deuba as “President”. Questions have also been raised over the alleged unauthorized use of party letterheads despite Gagan Thapa being the current party president.
The committee is expected to take decisions on disciplinary cases before the beginning of ward-level conventions.
Nepal Congress Defends Secular Position
Committee member Bajrang Nepal said the Nepali Congress follows the principle of secularism and any major ideological change must be brought before the party's General Convention.
He said that if any leader wants to introduce a new agenda, it should be discussed and approved through the party's official convention process.
The Nepali Congress is preparing to hold its Central General Convention under President Gagan Thapa's leadership from October 2 to October 5.