Party Unity is My "Arjun Vision": Nain Singh Mahar

Kathmandu: Amidst the debate over a special general convention that has divided the Nepali Congress into two poles, influential youth leader Nain Singh Mahar has sounded the clarion call for "party unity." 

Stating that he is continuously acting as a bridge to bridge the "rift" seen within the party due to leadership struggles and factional politics, Mahar also claimed that his victory for the post of General Secretary in the upcoming general convention is guaranteed.

Currently, the talk of a special general convention is heating up within the Congress circles. One group of leaders argues that a special convention is immediately necessary to strengthen the party, while another faction contends that holding the convention only after the upcoming general elections would be practical. While this battle over the "timeline" is creating confusion among cadres, leader Mahar has put forward a mature and balanced perspective.

"When to hold the general convention is a technical issue, but how to hold it is an emotional one," Mahar said. "Whether before or after the election, there is no alternative for the entire Congress but to stand as one. I am working day and night to break the current polarization and maintain emotional unity."

While advocating for party unity, Mahar also clarified his political "roadmap." Having already led the Nepal Student Union (NSU), Mahar stated that he is a strong contender for the post of General Secretary in the upcoming convention and is fully confident of winning due to the immense love from the cadres.

Analysts suggest his candidacy should be viewed as an agenda for party transformation rather than mere greed for position. "My candidacy is not just for the post, but to infuse youth energy and ideological clarity into the Congress," Mahar clarified. "I want to reach the leadership to break the walls of factionalism and build a 'Congress for all' where everyone feels a sense of ownership."

Sources close to him state that Mahar has been playing the role of a "crisis manager" behind the scenes to end the growing lack of communication and bitterness among the party's top leaders. He has been creating both dialogue and pressure at various levels with the top leadership to bridge the divided psychology of factions and sub-factions.

"Healing the cracks and rifts seen within the party is my first priority," Mahar said. "The unity of my party is dearer to me than the chair of the General Secretary. Therefore, even when I enter the competition, I will be in the field carrying the message of unity."

Overall, it is expected that Nain Singh Mahar's balanced model of "unity and leadership" will provide new energy to the Congress, which is currently caught between the difficulties of a special general convention and electoral strategy.