The two rival factions of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) have officially signed a unity agreement today. In the presence of Prime Minister Sushila Karki, Mahesh Shrestha and Dr. Badri KC signed the unity pact, ending years of division within the global Nepali diaspora organization.
For the past several years, the NRNA had been operating under two separate leaderships—one led by Shrestha and the other by KC. In light of the changing political environment in Nepal, both sides have agreed to unite under a 10-point accord. They have committed to holding the 12th International General Convention (Mahadhiveshan) by 17 April 2026.
Key Points of the Unity Agreement
- The working committee led by Dr. Badri KC (elected from the 11th International Convention in 2023) is formally recognized.
- The committee elected under Mahesh Kumar Shrestha from the 2025 Unity Convention is also recognized.
- An 11-member Steering Committee will be formed to ensure transparency and trust in the upcoming 12th General Convention. Members of this committee will not be eligible to run as candidates.
- KC’s committee has agreed to participate in the unity convention under Shrestha’s leadership.
- All court cases filed by both sides regarding NRNA legitimacy will be withdrawn.
- The 10-point agreement was signed in the presence of Foreign Ministry representatives and will be officially recorded in the ministry.
- Any disputes will be resolved through coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Both sides’ financial activities will be independently audited to ensure transparency.
An NRNA leader said, “A long-standing effort has finally succeeded. With the signing of the main unity agreement, NRNA worldwide will now be led by Mahesh Shrestha.”
Additional Agreements
- Former committees led by Dr. Badri KC, Kul Acharya, Rabina Thapa, Binod Kunwar, and Rajendra Kumar Sharma will be documented as past working committees.
- Reports from the General Secretary and Treasurer of the 11th Convention will be presented and approved at the 12th Convention.
- Dr. Badri KC will formally hand over leadership responsibilities to Mahesh Kumar Shrestha during the unity convention.
- A supplementary agreement will ensure free, fair, and transparent implementation of the 10-point accord and the 12th International General Convention.
The unity agreement has been signed jointly by Dr. Badri KC and Mahesh Kumar Shrestha, marking a significant milestone in consolidating the global Non-Resident Nepali community.
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