The Election Commission has given recognition to Ranjita Shrestha as the chair of the Nagarik Unmukti Party (NUP), dismissing the Resham Chaudhary-led rival faction’s attempt to select federal lawmaker Lalbir Chaudhary as the party chief in her place.

The intra-party dispute turned into a legal battle after the national gathering organised by the faction led by party patron Resham, announced Ranjita’s removal and Lalbir’s appointment on July 30. The decision was later submitted to the commission for official recognition.

However, commission spokesperson Nita Pokhrel Aryal said the decision to elect the new chair contravened the Political Parties Act and the party’s own statute. “Ranjita Shrestha remains the chair in accordance with the Act and the statute,” she said on Wednesday.

The rift between the two sides has been escalating for months. Resham’s supporters had previously expelled Ranjita from the party, accusing her of misconduct, including alleged involvement in a controversial land deal in Pokhara’s Batulechaur. In response, Ranjita contested the action at the Election Commission, arguing it was politically motivated and procedurally flawed.

While the poll body’s ruling has reaffirmed her leadership, tensions remain high. The July 30 gathering removed her not only from the chairmanship but also from ordinary membership—moves she has refused to accept.

The power struggle, rooted in a bitter fallout between Resham and his wife Ranjita, has fractured the party once hailed as a major political voice of the Tharu movement.

For now, the Election Commission’s ruling ensures that Ranjita retains formal control of the party, but the deep divisions suggest the feud is far from over.