Politics in Kathmandu never really sleeps, but today it’s basically shouting from the rooftops. If you’re looking for the big headline in nepal news for today, it’s the seismic shift in the Nepali Congress. The Election Commission just handed a massive win to Gagan Thapa, and honestly, the fallout is getting messy.
The Gagan Thapa Takeover: Why the Streets are Humming
It’s official. The Election Commission (EC) decided on Friday to recognize Gagan Thapa as the legitimate president of the Nepali Congress. This wasn't just a paperwork update. It’s a total rejection of the old guard led by former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba.
The EC’s logic was pretty straightforward, even if the politics aren't. They pointed out that 40 percent of delegates can legally demand a special convention. Thapa’s group had way more than that—over 54 percent. Because the delegates are the "supreme authority," the EC said their vote to put Thapa in charge is binding.
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But Deuba isn't going quietly. His supporters have already hit the streets, chanting and protesting the decision. Police are currently out in force near the EC headquarters at Bahadur Bhawan to keep things from spiraling. Deuba’s camp says they’ll fight this in court, calling the whole special convention "illegitimate."
The General Election Clock is Ticking
We are exactly 49 days away from the March 5 general elections. This split is huge. Think about it. The Nepali Congress is the country’s oldest party. Now, it's effectively two parties with the same name fighting over a single sun symbol.
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Bishwa Prakash Sharma, the newly elected Vice-President under Thapa, posted on Facebook that the party is "returning in a new way." He’s pushing for a rule that would bar anyone from being Prime Minister more than twice. It’s a clear shot at the veteran leaders who have rotated the top seat for decades.
Money and Trade: The Bangladesh Connection
While the politicians are brawling, the bureaucrats are actually getting some work done. Nepal and Bangladesh just finished a big meeting in Dhaka. They’ve agreed to fast-track a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA).
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Why does this matter for nepal news for today? Because right now, Nepal's exports to Bangladesh can face duties as high as 130%. That’s insane. If this deal goes through, it opens a massive door for Nepali goods like hydropower and agricultural products. They’re planning to finalize the details in Kathmandu within the next three months.
Quick Hits: What Else is Happening?
- Foreign Investment is Up: The Department of Industry announced today that FDI commitments hit 39.23 billion rupees in the first half of this fiscal year. Agriculture and ICT (tech) are the biggest winners.
- The Ukraine Crisis Hits Home: In Chitwan, the family of Sujan Subedi is pleading with the government. Sujan was a student who joined the Russian army and was reportedly captured by Ukrainian forces. His family hasn't heard from him since last May.
- Stock Market Jitters: The NEPSE saw a tiny gain of 4.59 points recently, but volume is down. Investors are basically holding their breath to see what happens with the political split.
What This Means for You
The next few weeks in Nepal are going to be chaotic. With the Election Commission siding with the "generational change" faction of Gagan Thapa, the traditional power structures are crumbling. If you're a voter, expect a very different kind of campaign trail this February.
If you're watching the economy, keep an eye on the Bangladesh trade talks. That's where the real long-term growth is hidden, far away from the shouting in Kathmandu’s streets.
Actionable Insights for Today:
- Monitor the Courts: Watch for a Supreme Court filing from the Deuba faction by Monday. If the court stays the EC's decision, the election timeline could get derailed.
- Verify Candidate Lists: If you are involved in local politics, check which faction holds the official "signature" power for candidate nomination—as of today, it’s Gagan Thapa.
- Trade Logistics: Businesses exporting to the SAARC region should prepare for revised tariff lists on the Bangladesh route by April.