Kathmandu. The Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) has been in the grip of controversy for a long time. Due to the lack of resolution of the leadership crisis within the organization, there has been a lot of cases in the court, while the former chairmen have come out openly in favor of unity. They said that there is no other option but real unity for the long-term interest of the organization.

The 2078 dispute has formed two separate groups till date. The NRNA led by Mahesh Shrestha and the NRNA led by Badri KC were formed after the general convention of unity as per the Supreme Court’s mandate. Tensions have flared up again after the KC side announced to hold the general convention in October.

Issuing a press release recently, founder chairman Upendra Mahato expressed dissatisfaction with the main organizing committee of the general convention released by the KC group. “No convention other than the general convention of genuine unity can be of unity,” he said, urging all not to use their names.

Similarly, former president Jeeva Lamichhane has made it clear that the divided NRNA is not his wish and will not be involved in the activities of any one party. Former President Kumar Panta also said that he was in favour of a unified NRNA. They collectively say, “A one-sided convention aggravates the problem, not the solution.” ’

At present, only six cases of authenticity are pending before the full bench when the NRNA dispute reached the Supreme Court. The cases filed by the petitioners including Badri KC, RK Sharma and Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Amrit Rai have been listed before the full bench today.

Earlier, after the 10th general convention was held in two places, there were two chairmen each. Declaring it illegal, the Supreme Court had ordered to hold the unity general convention on April 1, 2080. But the 11th general convention also became controversial as the controversy over the implementation of the order increased.

Claims that the voting system (Vero) was rigged, separate conventions at Hotel Soaltee and Hotel Himalaya, and subsequent court orders add to the problem. The 11th general convention automatically became inactive after the Supreme Court declared the 10th general convention illegal and ordered the high-level committee led by Shesh Ghale to hold the unification general convention.

However, KC has occupied the secretariat claiming that he is the legitimate chairman, while Mahesh Shrestha’s side has also taken the stand that he is the legal committee after the unification general convention held in April. Meanwhile, RK Sharma has also moved the Supreme Court seeking authorization, saying KC has become the chairman by rigging.

Former chairmen including Jeeva Lamichhane and Upendra Mahato are considered influential activists within the association. The association was established in whose activism. Therefore, they are standing in the interest of the organization, not on any one side for the unity of the organization.