Dispute over social democracy intensifies in Nepali Congress — Kathmandu Post
In Nepal, an internal party dispute over its ideological course has intensified ahead of the 15th general convention of the Nepali Congress. Part of the leadership proposes updating the traditional doctrine of democratic socialism of the party’s founder, Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala, and incorporating the concept of social democracy into it. Supporters of former president Sher Bahadur Deuba oppose this approach. This was reported by Kathmandu Post.
Dispute after the special convention
The discussion intensified after the party’s special general convention in January, at which Gagan Thapa became president of the Nepali Congress. The document adopted then introduced the concept of social democracy and provided for updating the party’s principles, ideas and policies in line with public demands.
Deuba’s faction believes that the new leadership is moving away from the fundamental socialist course and jeopardizing the party’s historical identity. Its representatives also seek to hold a parallel general convention. Thapa’s supporters deny abandoning Koirala’s legacy, stressing that the aim is to clarify and modernize socialist ideas in accordance with contemporary political, economic and social conditions.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
Economy and the younger generation
Party General Secretary Pradip Paudel stated that socialism remains the ideal of the Nepali Congress, but its content must evolve with the times. He also acknowledged that the party needs to define its economic policy more clearly. Congress leader Shyam Ghimire called for an emphasis on an open economy, the private sector and Nepal’s integration into the global economy, while leaving the state with the role of a regulator that ensures equal opportunities and fair distribution of resources.
Former party spokesperson Prakash Sharan Mahat, who belongs to Deuba’s faction, said in turn that a move toward social democracy could weaken the traditional identity of the Nepali Congress. In his view, the party should adhere to a model in which production is provided by the private sector and the state guarantees the fair distribution of resources.
An additional factor in the debate was the rise of the Rastriya Swatantra Party, which became the largest party in the House of Representatives after winning the March election and officially adopted social democracy as its ideology in June. Following the introduction of quotas for representatives under the age of 35, young leaders of the Nepali Congress are also seeking ideological renewal. One young delegate, Umanga Lohani, called on candidates for leadership positions to focus on good governance, a corruption-free society and youth issues.
