Kathmandu, Oct. 2 -- Ahead of the 15th general convention of the Nepali Congress, a high-stakes ideological dispute has erupted at the core of Nepal's grand old party. Beyond the fierce competition for leadership, Congress leaders and cadres are deeply divided over whether to maintain the traditional doctrine of democratic socialism articulated by founding leader Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala (BP) or to redefine its ideological orientation towards social democracy to reflect changing socio-economic realities and appeal to a younger electorate.

The ideological debate flared up after the party's special general convention held in January elevated Gagan Thapa to party presidency. The document adopted at the convention formally introduced the c...