A deep internal dispute has surfaced within the Nepali Congress in Jhapa Constituency-3, the home base of influential leader Krishna Prasad Sitaula, following the recommendation of candidates for the upcoming elections.
Tensions flared after the regional committee recommended Sitaula’s son, Shyam Sitaula, as a “Gen-Z representative,” triggering backlash from the dissatisfied faction, which has threatened revolt.
The regional committee made public a list of six recommended names for both the first-past-the-post and proportional categories. The list includes Shyam Sitaula, Naveen Bimali, Bhagirath Poddar, Sharmila Adhikari, Tikaram Dhakal, and Sitaram Khadka.
However, the process turned chaotic when several veteran and loyal party leaders were asked to leave the meeting venue, citing a “higher-level circular.” Senior leaders including Gyanmani Bhurtel, Toya Gadtoula, Pramod Neupane, and advocate Bharat Prasai—some of whom have been active since the 2036 movement—were forcefully removed, sparking outrage.
Leader Gyanmani Bhurtel accused the Sitaula faction of treating long-time cadres disrespectfully while allowing newcomers from CPN-Maoist and UML to dominate the meeting. He alleged that Krishna Prasad Sitaula strategically pushed his son forward under the pretext of promoting the new generation.
According to the disgruntled faction, Sitaula instructed the committee not to recommend his own name and instead promote “Gen-Z,” which they claim was merely a tactic to endorse his son. Bhurtel criticized this move, saying, “Transferring power from father to son is not Gen-Z leadership.”
They further alleged that attempts were made to secure Sitaula himself through backdoor tactics, including drafting a minute suggesting reconsideration of his candidacy later.
On the other hand, regional president Ganesh Pokharel dismissed the accusations as unnecessary drama. He said that only Mahasamiti members and regional committee office-bearers were allowed as per the central directive, and others were asked to step out to avoid overcrowding. “There are over 600 regional representatives. It’s impossible to accommodate all,” he said.
The recommendation of Shyam Sitaula and the expulsion of senior leaders have intensified internal conflict in Jhapa-3. The dissatisfied faction has labeled the situation as a “plot to destroy the Congress.”
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