KATHMANDU: Nepal Congress’s dissident faction has formed a 551-member organising committee led by Dr Shashanka Koirala to prepare for a national convention on August 13, while continuing to pursue legal recognition as the party’s legitimate leadership.

The faction believes Koirala, son of party founder B.P. Koirala, can unite supporters and avoid internal leadership disputes. Leaders insist the gathering will be held under the Nepali Congress banner and election symbol, arguing that the party’s official status remains under judicial review.

Former party president Sher Bahadur Deuba and former acting president Purna Bahadur Khadka have separately filed review petitions at the Supreme Court, seeking to overturn an earlier ruling that recognised the executive committee led by Gagan Thapa as the party’s legitimate leadership.

While dissident leaders publicly deny plans to launch a new political party, some have acknowledged that alternative names and election symbols have been discussed if the court upholds the current leadership. The faction, however, says its immediate focus remains on reclaiming the party’s official status.

Meanwhile, separate campaigns advocating party unity have announced nationwide gatherings, arguing that prolonged internal divisions could weaken both the Nepali Congress and Nepal’s democratic system. Leaders involved in the initiatives have urged the party’s top leadership to resolve the dispute through dialogue and reunification rather than further legal and political confrontation.