KATHMANDU, April 27, 2026
The Nepali Congress has officially appointed Bhishma Raj Angdembe as its Parliamentary Party leader through a consensus-based process. This move comes at a critical time when the party, facing a reduced numerical strength in Parliament, seeks to present a cohesive and effective front.
The race for the PP leadership initially included prominent figures such as Arjun Narsingh KC, Bhishma Raj Angdembe, and Mohan Acharya. While Arjun Narsingh KC was considered a strong contender due to his seniority and ministerial experience, party leadership—including President Gagan Thapa and Vice-President Bishwaprakash Sharma—worked to build a consensus to avoid potential criticisms of 'nepotism' and to minimize factional conflict. Following discussions led by a committee under Vice-President Sharma, KC and Acharya agreed to withdraw their claims in favor of Angdembe.
Angdembe’s appointment is viewed by party insiders as a strategic step to dismantle the long-standing culture of factionalism that often plagues the Congress party. Addressing concerns regarding the delay in the selection, President Gagan Thapa clarified that the process was not marked by indecisiveness or weakness. "We were refining the decision to ensure maturity. It took time because we had to hold dialogues with all factions," President Thapa stated.
Angdembe, who previously played a coordinating role within the camp of former President Sher Bahadur Deuba, has recently emphasized his non-aligned status and pledged to work in harmony with President Thapa’s vision. While the Nepali Congress was the last of the six parliamentary parties to select its leader, party members believe this mature and consensus-driven outcome will strengthen the party's position in the House.