A new twist has emerged in the appointment process for Nepal’s 18th Governor, revealing internal disagreements not just between ruling parties but also within the leadership of the Nepali Congress itself.

While the two ruling parties—Nepali Congress and CPN-UML—continue to stand firm on their respective choices for the post, fresh tensions have surfaced between Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba and his wife, Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba.

President Deuba is adamant about appointing Dr. Gunakar Bhatta as the next Governor. Following Deuba’s assurance, Dr. Bhatta has already resigned from his post as Executive Director, though his resignation has yet to be formally accepted.

In an unexpected move, however, Dr. Arzu Rana Deuba has put forward the name of former Nabil Bank CEO Gyandendra Dhungana in the final hours of decision-making. Dhungana had resigned from his post specifically in hopes of being appointed Governor, although his name had faded from discussion shortly after.

Now, as the appointment process nears its final stage, Dhungana has reemerged as a strong contender, with Dr. Arzu reportedly lobbying vigorously for his selection. Sources say this development has reached Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli as well.

The situation has become increasingly complicated, as the Deuba couple has presented two different candidates to the Prime Minister. Sources from Baluwatar told Banking News that PM Oli has urged them to agree on a single nominee, stressing that conflicting recommendations from within the same household could create significant problems.

If the Deubas fail to present a united front, PM Oli is reportedly preparing to appoint acting Governor Dr. Neelam Dhungana to the position. However, the Nepali Congress is planning to block Dr. Neelam’s nomination in the recommendation committee.

The addition of Gyandendra Dhungana’s name to the long-standing shortlist—previously limited to Dr. Neelam and Dr. Bhatta—has brought a dramatic new twist to the already tense appointment process.