Kathmandu, Aug. 13 -- 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 i...