Nepal Tarun Dal

Nepal Tarun Dal
नेपाल तरुण दल
AbbreviationNTD
Founded26 October 1953 (1953-10-26)
FoundersB. P. Koirala
Singha Dhwaj Khadka[1]
TypeYouth wing
Legal statusActive
HeadquartersKathmandu, Nepal
Founder President
Singha Dhwaj Khadka
President
Manish Koirala[2][3]
Parent organisation
Nepali Congress
AffiliationsInternational Union of Socialist Youth
Websitewww.nepaltarundal.org.np

Nepal Tarun Dal (Nepali: नेपाल तरुण दल) is the youth wing of the Nepali Congress, founded on 10 Kartik 2010 B.S. (1953 A.D.) under the inspiration of Bishweshwar Prasad Koirala.[4][5][6] The organisation promotes the party's principles of nationalism, democracy, and socialism and mobilises youth across Nepal.[7][8]

History

Early years and Panchayat era

Following the 1960 Nepalese royal coup, King Mahendra of Nepal dissolved parliament and banned political parties, forcing the Nepali Congress and its affiliated organisations to operate underground during the Panchayat system.

As part of this political crackdown, Nepal Tarun Dal was also banned and its organisational structure effectively dismantled. The organisation ceased to function as a formal entity and entered a prolonged period of inactivity. From 1960 until its revival in 1997, Nepal Tarun Dal remained largely dormant, with no formal institutional presence. During this period, youth associated with the Nepali Congress continued to participate in pro-democracy movements against the Panchayat system, though not under the banner of Nepal Tarun Dal.[9][10]

Role in democratic movements

Nepal Tarun Dal has been associated with the Nepali Congress's pro-democracy struggles against the Panchayat system and monarchical rule.[11][12][13]

During the 1990 People's Movement, activists affiliated with the Nepali Congress, including youth members, participated in mass protests that led King Birendra of Nepal to restore multiparty democracy. Similarly, during the 2006 People's Movement, party-affiliated youth activists took part in protests against King Gyanendra of Nepal's direct rule, contributing to the reinstatement of parliament and the eventual abolition of the monarchy.[14][15]

The organisation has "played a significant role" in the party’s long struggle for democracy, nationalism and socialism.[16][17]

Organisation and activities

Nepal Tarun Dal operates through committees across Nepal and functions as the primary youth mobilisation wing of the Nepali Congress[18]. The organisation has also been described as the "backbone" of the party during periods of political mobilisation, though this characterization is attributed to opinion writing.[17]

Ideology

Nepal Tarun Dal follows the principles of nationalism, democracy, and socialism as outlined by the Nepali Congress, with a focus on youth mobilisation, social justice, and democratic participation.

Structure

The organisation operates under the Nepali Congress and maintains committees at central, district, and local levels across Nepal.

Contemporary challenges

Nepal Tarun Dal has faced persistent organisational challenges, particularly delays in holding its general conventions and internal factional disputes[19][20][21]. Reports indicate that internal disagreements within the Nepali Congress have repeatedly postponed conventions and affected the functioning of the youth wing.[22][23][24]

In recent years, the party leadership has formed committees to oversee and expedite delayed conventions of its sister organisations, including Nepal Tarun Dal.[25][26][7][27][28][29]

The organisation has also been criticised for aggressive conduct by some cadres. In one reported incident, Tarun Dal activists assaulted the Nepali Congress district president in Chitwan during an internal dispute.[30]

In 2012, the Nepal Tarun Dal stated their belief that the election scheduled by the government was unconstitutional.[31]

The organisation has also faced criticism over incidents involving violence and misconduct by some of its members. In 2014, 14 people were convicted in connection with the murder of Tarun Dal leader Shiva Poudel, with eight receiving life sentences.[32]

In 2018, police arrested a Tarun Dal cadre on extortion charges in Kathmandu.[33] In 2023, police also linked a Tarun Dal leader to a gold smuggling investigation.[34] Another leader was arrested over a social media post targeting former Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal.[35] In 2024, police arrested several Tarun Dal leaders and members in connection with an alleged assault incident in Kathmandu.[36]

Internal disputes have at times turned violent during organisational events. In 2025, several people were injured during clashes at the Tarun Dal district convention in Lamjung following disagreements over delegate selection.[37] [38] In the same year, Tarun Dal members clashed with protesting students in Dhangadhi during demonstrations related to a local government bill.[39]

Murder of Nabin Rana Magar

In 2013, the group stated that they believed that the death of Committee Member Nabin Rana Magar was murdered for political revenge. Nabin Rana Magar was found at the bottom of a cliff near Salleri VDC, and the subsequent investigation found that he had been murdered with a sharp weapon. Four people were arrested.[40][41]

Leadership

Nepal Tarun Dal has been led by various presidents, frequently through ad-hoc committees due to delays in holding general conventions.

Former Presidents

The following individuals have served as the president of Nepal Tarun Dal since its inception in 1953.

S.N.PresidentPortraitPeriodSelection MethodConvention/Notes
1Singha Dhwaj Khadka19531960[9]NominatedFounder President[10]
From 1960 until its revival in 1997, Nepal Tarun Dal remained in a prolonged state of dormancy-functionally defunct, with no formal institutional presence.[9][10]
2Bal Krishna Khand[42][43][7]7 October 199725 September 2002AppointedGirija Prasad Koirala announced the revival of the Tarun Dal at the 2054 BS Nepalgunj convention, naming Bal Krishna Khand as its head.
25 September 20022005[44]Office RetentionParallel leadership after party split
He aligned himself with NC Democratic following the split and continued as youth wing president[45]
3Mahadev GurungOctober 20024 April 2003[46]AppointedParallel leadership after party split
Girija Prasad Koirala nominated Mahadev Gurung president, while the Tarun Dal official leadership Bal Krishna Khand aligned with the breakaway Nepali Congress (Democratic).
4Binod Bahadur Kayastha[16][47]4 April 2003November 2004AppointedMahadev Gurung was removed as president by Girija Prasad Koirala, Binod Bahadur Kayastha was appointed in his place.[46]
November 2004[48] 24 September 2007ElectedAt the third convention of Nepal Tarun Dal held in Janakpur, Binod Kayastha was elected president with 169 votes, defeating Chandra Bhandari, who received 113 votes.[49][50][51][52][53][54]
5Mahendra Yadav20 July 2007[55]25 September 2007ElectedNC (Democratic) Tarun Dal 3rd General Convention (Chitwan)
Parallel Committee
25 September 2007[56][57] 20 September 2011[58][59]AppointedPart of Merger agreement between NC and NC(D)[60]
6Udaya Shumsher Rana5 February 2012[61][62]November 2016Appointed[63]Ad-hoc committee
7Jeet Jung Basnet16 November 2016[64]March 2022Consensus-elected[7]4th General Convention (Pokhara)[65]
Only four office-bearer positions settled by consensus among factions.
8Bidhwan Gurung23 March 2022[66]29 April 2026[67]AppointedAd-hoc committee; Resigned April 2026
9Manish Koirala24 May 2026[2][3][68]IncumbentAppointedAd-hoc Committee; Nominated to oversee the 5th General Convention.

References

  1. ↑ "Nepal Tarun Dal marking its 66th Founding Day". khabarhub. 27 October 2019.
  2. 1 2 "नेपाल तरूण दलको अध्यक्ष पदमा श्री मनिष कोइराला (काठमाडौं) लाई नियुक्त" [Manish Koirala (Kathmandu) appointed as the President of Nepal Tarun Dal]. Nepali Congress. 24 May 2026. Archived from the original on 19 June 2026.
  3. 1 2 "Manish Koirala appointed as central president of Nepal Tarun Dal". Nepal News. 24 May 2026.
  4. ↑ "History of Nepal Tarun Dal". Nepal Tarun Dal. 23 January 2000. Archived from the original on 7 August 2024. Retrieved 7 August 2024.
  5. ↑ "Political Party Youth Wings in Nepal" (PDF). The Carter Center. The Carter Center. 28 February 2011. Archived from the original (PDF) on 13 April 2017. Retrieved 5 June 2014.
  6. ↑ "NPL104890.E". irb-cisr.gc.ca. 22 January 2026. Archived from the original on 1 May 2026. Retrieved 20 June 2014.
  7. 1 2 3 4 Ghimire, Sarin (17 November 2016). "Tarun Dal office bearers picked on consensus". kathmandupost.com.
  8. ↑ कृष्णजी खड्का (28 October 2018). "तरूणको रूपान्तरण". नागरिक (in Nepali).
  9. 1 2 3 Acharya, Sudarshan (26 October 2018). "लोकतन्त्रका लागि तरुण दल" (in Nepali).
  10. 1 2 3 Adhikari, Dipendra (27 October 2025). "जोस हराएको तरुण दल, उत्साह न उमंग". Shilapatra (in Nepali).
  11. ↑ Himalayan News Service (17 March 2005). "Two dozen student, youth leaders held". The Himalayan Times.
  12. ↑ Himalayan News Service (28 June 2007). "Tarun Dal (D) says monarchy unacceptable". The Himalayan Times.
  13. ↑ Himalayan News Service (28 August 2005). "King not needed: Khand". The Himalayan Times.
  14. ↑ Himalayan News Service (27 December 2008). "Tarun Dal protest to enforce pacts". The Himalayan Times.
  15. ↑ Himalayan News Service (30 December 2008). "Tarun Dal rally for pact implementation". The Himalayan Times.
  16. 1 2 "PM not in favor of shouldering monarchy against people's wishes, says Tarun Dal leader". nepalnews.com. 3 December 2006. Archived from the original on 18 January 2007. Retrieved 18 January 2007.
  17. 1 2 "Foresight and handshake". The Kathmandu Post. 12 November 2016.
  18. ↑ "Tarun Dal to launch 'Youths Dialogue, People's Goodwill' programme". myRepublica. 15 June 2018.
  19. ↑ "NC factions set for clash over sister wings". myRepublica. 20 September 2011.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  20. ↑ "NC rift widens as Deuba faction boycotts CC meet". myRepublica. 24 November 2011.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  21. ↑ "Tarun Dal dissidents warn of forming parallel committee". myrepublica. 5 November 2016.
  22. ↑ "Change sought in Nepal Tarun Dal's leadership". The Himalayan Times. 18 November 2008. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
  23. ↑ "Deuba forms panels to hold NTD, NWA conventions". The Himalayan Times. 22 August 2016.
  24. ↑ "Tarun Dal conclave uncertain yet again". The Kathmandu Post. 9 November 2016.
  25. ↑ "Panel fails to resolve Tarun Dal dispute". The Himalayan Times. 27 August 2016. Retrieved 28 August 2016.
  26. ↑ Ghimire, Sarin (15 November 2016). "Bid for unanimous Tarun Dal team". The Kathmandu Post.
  27. ↑ "NSU, Tarun Dal stage protest against PM Deuba". The Himalayan Times. 26 March 2022.
  28. ↑ "Party youth wings reel under factional violence". The Kathmandu Post. 25 May 2025.
  29. ↑ "Tarun Dal stages protest demanding new ad hoc committee". Setopati. 6 June 2025.
  30. ↑ "Tarun Dal cadres thrash Chitwan NC chair". myRepublica. 12 September 2011.
  31. ↑ "Tarun Dal draws attention of Election Commission". Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 1 December 2013.
  32. ↑ Khatiwada, Bimal (4 April 2014). "Tarun Dal leader murder: 14 convicted, 8 get life imprisonment". The Kathmandu Post.
  33. ↑ "Tarun Dal cadre among four held for extortion". The Kathmandu Post. 12 April 2018.
  34. ↑ "Police reveals involvement of NTD leader Lama in one kg gold smuggling case". myRepublica. 14 September 2023.
  35. ↑ Paudel, Ramesh Kumar (23 December 2018). "Tarun Dal leader held for defamatory post against Dahal on social media". The Kathmandu Post.
  36. ↑ Timalsina, Motiram (22 December 2024). "दरबारमार्गबाट पक्राउ परेका तरुणका केन्द्रीय सदस्यसहित काभ्रे जिल्ला अध्यक्षको अपराधिक पृष्ठभूमि" [Nepal Tarun Dal Kavre district chairman Sujan Tamang, including central member Kuldhoj arrested from durbarmarg - 8 arrested on charges of assault and hooliganism]. newsofnepal (in Nepali). Archived from the original on 26 December 2024.
  37. ↑ "Khukuri attack at Tarun Dal convention injures four". myRepublica. 18 May 2025.
  38. ↑ "Three injured in Khukuri attack during Tarun Dal Lamjung convention". myRepublica. 17 May 2025.
  39. ↑ Shah, Arjun (9 March 2025). "Tarun Dal and protesting students scuffle in Dhangadhi". The Kathmandu Post.
  40. ↑ "Tarun Dal says its leader Rana's murdered for 'political revenge'". 6 November 2013.
  41. ↑ "Tarun Dal activist found dead in mysterious circumstances; four UML cadres arrested". www.nepalnews.com. Archived from the original on 3 December 2013.
  42. ↑ "Minister urges for favourable transport policy". nepalnews.com.np. The Kathmandu Post. 10 November 2001. Archived from the original on 1 July 2002. Retrieved 1 July 2002.
  43. ↑ "बालकृष्ण खाँणको नेतृत्वमा तरुण दल पुनःस्थापनाको घोषणा". Nepal Press. 19 February 2024. Archived from the original on 2 May 2026. Retrieved 19 February 2024.
  44. ↑ Himalayan News Service (28 August 2005). "King not needed: Khand". The Himalayan Times.
  45. ↑ "Mask rally held to protest royal move". The Kathmandu Post. 2 December 2002. Archived from the original on 7 October 2008.
  46. 1 2 "Tarun Dal members quit". nepalnews.com.np. 5 April 2003. Archived from the original on 25 June 2003. Retrieved 25 June 2003.
  47. ↑ Bhatta, Lokendra (19 March 2020). "सानेपा प्रवेशका लागि नेविसंघ–तरुण दलका पूर्वअध्यक्षहरुका यस्ता छन् एजेण्डा". ratopati (in Nepali).
  48. ↑ Upadhyay, Akhilesh (21 November 2004). "Tarun Dal Elects Binod Kayastha as President at Third Conventionne" (PDF). Nation Weekly. Vol. 1, no. 31. The Mirror Media Pvt. Ltd. p. 15. Archived from the original (PDF) on 17 November 2024. Retrieved 17 November 2024.
  49. ↑ "Tarun Dal inducts three cc members". The Himalayan Times. 30 March 2005. Archived from the original on 12 March 2017. Retrieved 12 March 2017.
  50. ↑ "The government on Wednesday announced three-month detention period for 13 Nepal Tarun Dal (NTD) leaders". The Himalayan Times. 26 January 2006. Archived from the original on 13 December 2025. Retrieved 13 December 2025.
  51. ↑ Proceedings of People's SAARC 2007 (PDF) (Report). Kathmandu, Nepal: People's SAARC Secretariat. 23 March 2007. Archived from the original (PDF) on 1 April 2025. Retrieved 1 April 2025.
  52. ↑ "Tarun Dal convention in September". The Himalayan Times. 15 April 2016. Archived from the original on 4 June 2016. Retrieved 4 June 2016.
  53. ↑ "NTD, NSU against militarisation". The Himalayan Times. 25 June 2007. Archived from the original on 16 October 2021. Retrieved 16 October 2021.
  54. ↑ "NC never backed king: Ashok Koirala". The Himalayan Times. 23 July 2007. Archived from the original on 20 April 2021. Retrieved 20 April 2021.
  55. ↑ Himalayan News Service (20 July 2007). "Mahendra Yadav is Nepal Tarun Dal chief". The Himalayan Times.
  56. ↑ Ghimire, Sanjeev (25 September 2007). "NC, NC-D finally unite; opt for a republic". Kantipur Online. Archived from the original on 11 October 2007.
  57. ↑ "Nepali Congress Is United". United We Blog. 25 September 2007.
  58. ↑ "NC central committee dissolves 4 sister wings". myRepublica. Retrieved 21 September 2011.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  59. ↑ "देउवा पक्षका सदस्यहरूको बहिस्कारबीच चार भ्रातृ संस्था विघटनको निर्णय" [Four sister organizations dissolved amid boycott by Deuba faction members] (in Nepali). Archived from the original on 18 May 2026. Retrieved 20 September 2011.
  60. ↑ Himalayan News Service (28 June 2007). "Tarun Dal (D) says monarchy unacceptable". The Himalayan Times.
  61. ↑ "Koirala, Deuba make peace". myRepublica. 5 February 2012. Archived from the original on 18 May 2026.
  62. ↑ "New NSU committee opens old wounds in NC". myRepublica. 4 April 2012.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  63. ↑ "Leading the young". Nepali Times. 27 February 2014.
  64. ↑ "Tarun Dal elects new leadership, Jeet Jung new prez". The Kathmandu Post. 16 November 2016.
  65. ↑ Rastriya Samachar Samiti (16 November 2016). "Jitjung Basnet elected Nepal Tarun Dal President". The Himalayan Times.
  66. ↑ NepalPress (23 March 2022). "NC appoints Gurung, Sherpa as President of Tarun Dal, NSU". NepalPress.
  67. ↑ Neupane, Kul Chandra (29 April 2026). "Tarun Dal Chairman Gurung resigns". ekantipur.com. Kantipur. Archived from the original on 2 May 2026. Retrieved 2 May 2026.
  68. ↑ "तरूण दलको अध्यक्षमा मनिष कोइराला नियुक्त" [Manish Koirala Appointed as the Chairman of Tarun dal]. Onlinekhabar. 24 May 2026.
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