Election Commission Recognizes Gagan Thapa-Led Nepali Congress After Party Split

The Election Commission of Nepal officially recognized the Nepali Congress faction led by Gagan Thapa following the party's split after failed reform negotiations with Sher Bahadur Deuba's faction. The Thapa group held a Special General Convention electing a new executive body, claiming majority delegate support. The Deuba faction rejected the EC's decision, calling it a conspiracy and planning protests. The EC granted the Thapa faction the party's election symbol, flag, and office, amid tensions and police presence at the commission's premises.