Rebellion within the Nepali Congress and a New Destination

Guest: Pradip Poudel, General Secretary, Nepali Congress Recording Date: August 6, 2026 (Shrawan 22, 2083) Is the Nepali Congress truly united, or was the "Special General Convention" actually the seed of a party split?. Following a significant defeat in the Falgun 2082 (February/March 2026) general elections, the main opposition party is currently embroiled in internal conflict and dissatisfaction. While a new generation of leadership has emerged, older leaders accuse them of trying to "toss the party off a cliff in a basket. In this episode of Fireside, General Secretary Pradip Poudel discusses the "legitimate rebellion" within the party, the controversy surrounding President Gagan Thapa’s resignation, and his efforts to bring the party back on the "right track". We explore the growing distance between the descendants of BP Koirala and the new generation, the accusations of a "two-man show," and the potential for a new ideological direction known as "Gagan-ism". Key Highlights: The Special General Convention: Was this move a new, legitimate democratic practice or a planned attempt to split the party?. Defeat and Accountability: Why was Gagan Thapa’s resignation not accepted after the election loss?. Generational Power Struggle: Are senior leaders being disrespected? Poudel addresses tensions between the party headquarters in Sanepa and the disgruntled faction's separate gatherings. Ideological Shift: Is the party moving away from "Democratic Socialism" toward "Social Democracy" or a new "ism"?.