Nepali Congress At Cross Road Koirala Elected President

Following the elections of Nepali Congress, the party now turned into a party of political leader rather than a party based on ideology. Though NC still hangs the picture of B.P. Koirala and Krishna Prasad Bhattarai, their ideology does not count much in the party.

Only living founder member of the party Bhattarai rejected to participate in the convention saying that the party turned into a club of bunch of opportunists giving away the policy propounded by B.P. Koirala and Ganesh Man Singh.

After 1990, Nepali Congress completely gave up ideology of B.P. Koirala who said Nepali Congress will lose its identity as soon as it gives of its stand on nationalism and democracy. The major setback in the last general elections has already indicated what will be fate of Nepali Congress if it fails to make balance between nationalism and democracy. By siding with radical communists, NC gives up basic ideals of democracy.

Although no one expected much from Deuba, Sushil Koirala too has to live with those power brokers like Krishna Prasad Sitaula, Shekhar Koirala and bunch of others who pushed Nepali Congress into the present shape.

Although Sushil Koirala won the elections for the president of the party, the challenges before him are how to lead the party in balance. The first major political test will be his nomination to general secretary. Since deputy prime minister Sujata Koirala, daughter of late Girija Prasad Koirala, has withdrawn her candidacy at last minute with an assurance to nominate her as a secretary general, there are dozens aspirant for the post. Similarly, accommodating Deuba is another challenge. Deuba secured formidable votes in the party.

Nepali Congress got a new elected president. Unlike in the past, the alliance is very different this time. President Sushil Koirala’s supporter with his arch rival Sher Bahadur Deuba and Deuba’s supporter with Koirala. The shifting alliance in Nepali Congress makes the party different.

Sushil Koirala won the elections for president of Nepali Congress defeating his nearest rival former prime minister Sher Bahadur Deuba. Koirala secured 1652 votes against his nearest rival 3064. Third candidate Bhim Bahadur Tamang secured 80 votes.

At a time when Nepali Congress is losing its own ideological identity, its limitation is now to survive under political leadership. Will Koirala lead?