KATHMANDU: The Nagarik Unmukti Party (NUP) faction aligned with Resham Chaudhary has appointed his father, Lalbir Chaudhary, as the party’s new chairperson.
The move comes shortly after the removal of Ranjita Shrestha from the party. The decision was made during the party’s first national convention, which began Wednesday in Kathmandu. The convention, controlled by Resham’s faction, also endorsed the removal of Ranjita from the party entirely, ending her official role in NUP.
Ranjita had earlier appointed senior vice-chair Shiva Bastola as acting chair, citing health reasons. She did so after a group of central committee members issued a 24-hour ultimatum to call a meeting, seemingly to avoid disciplinary action.
However, Resham criticized Ranjita’s unilateral decision, claiming it violated party procedures. He accused her of bypassing the central committee and making unauthorized decisions. As a result, he replaced her with his father Lalbir, signaling both a political and personal rift. Resham has reportedly been living with another wife.
Wednesday evening’s decision by the Resham-aligned faction has intensified the ongoing internal conflict within the party. Ranjita, now sidelined, has expressed dissatisfaction and on Thursday issued a clarification notice to party leader Gangaram Chaudhary for participating in what she called illegitimate meetings.
Founded in 2022 (2079 BS), the Nagarik Unmukti Party made an unexpected breakthrough in its first election, securing four seats in the federal parliament and representation in Sudurpaschim and Lumbini provincial assemblies.
Now, with a major leadership shakeup and unclear future direction, the party is facing a serious internal crisis just halfway into its first term.
