Nepali Gen-Z Youth Minister’s U.S. Visit Caught in Organizational Crossfire

Updated: Exclusive: The upcoming United States visit of Nepal’s Minister for Youth and Sports, Bablu Gupta, has been thrown into serious controversy after two rival factions operating under the same name—Non-Resident Nepali Association National Coordination Council, USA (NRNA NCC USA)—issued conflicting public statements, exposing deep and long-standing fractures within the Nepali diaspora.

Read latest Press Release from NRNA ICC about this fiasco:

NRNA USA Controversy: An Institutional Failure, Not a Ministerial One

The latest press release issued by the Non-Resident Nepali Association International Coordination Council (NRNA-ICC) attempts to contain the confusion surrounding the upcoming U.S. visit of Nepal’s Minister for Youth and Sports. While the clarification is welcome, it also unintentionally exposes a deeper and more troubling reality: NRNA’s unresolved leadership crisis in the United States has now crossed into diplomatic and reputational damage.

The core issue is not the Minister’s visit, nor any political agenda. It is the existence of two parallel entities operating under the same name—NRNA NCC USA—each issuing official-looking statements, invitations, and claims of legitimacy. This is an institutional breakdown.

NRNA-ICC acknowledges that the invitation to the Minister was issued by the NCC USA led by Dr. Badri KC’s group, while also admitting that another NCC USA led by Mahesh Kumar Shrestha’ group exists and remains uncoordinated. This acknowledgment alone confirms what diaspora members have long known: the USA chapter remains structurally fractured despite repeated claims of unity.

The press release attempts balance by apologizing for confusion and promising better coordination in the future. However, what it fails to address directly is accountability.

Most importantly, the ICC’s statement makes it clear that the Minister was invited for dialogue with Nepali youth and diaspora members on post–Gen-Z political transformation, not factional politics. Any attempt to drag the Minister into internal power struggles is both irresponsible and unfair.

This episode should serve as a wake-up call. NRNA’s credibility—built over decades by volunteers across the world—cannot survive indefinite ambiguity. The diaspora deserves one legitimate NCC, one voice, and one accountable structure.

Until that happens, statements of unity will remain rhetorical, and each such incident will further erode public trust, confusion will repeat—and the community will continue paying the price.

The dispute erupted after two parallel press releases, both dated January 8, 2026, were circulated by separate groups, each claiming to be the legitimate NRNA NCC USA.

Bikash Upreti–Led Faction Announces Youth Conference

One faction, led by Bikash Upreti, announced that Minister Gupta has been formally invited to the United States to participate in a conference titled:

“Role of NRNA Youth in the Development of Nepal Post Gen-Z Revolution.”

According to the statement, the visit aims to engage Nepali youth in the diaspora, encourage dialogue on Nepal’s evolving political and social landscape following the Gen-Z movement, and strengthen connections between overseas Nepali youth and Nepal’s national development process.

The Upreti-led group emphasized that all travel, accommodation, and logistical expenses related to the minister’s visit would be covered by the organizing body or participants, and no financial burden would fall on the Government of Nepal.

Satendra Shah–Led Faction Raises Serious Allegations

In stark contrast, a rival faction led by Satendra Shah issued a separate press statement disassociating itself entirely from the event and warning the public, Nepali authorities, and U.S. government agencies about what it described as unauthorized and potentially illegal activities.

The Shah-led group alleges that:

• The conference and ministerial invitation were issued without official authorization from what it claims is the legitimate NRNA NCC USA.

• The NRNA name, EIN number, and institutional identity are being misused.

• There is a potential risk of human trafficking, immigration fraud, and financial misconduct, exposing those involved to serious legal consequences under U.S. law.

The faction further stated that it has formally notified U.S. Homeland Security and the U.S. Embassy of Nepal, and has distanced itself from any event, fundraising, or travel arrangement connected to the disputed visit.

Minister’s Visit in Diplomatic Limbo

The conflicting claims have placed Minister Gupta’s planned U.S. visit in a politically sensitive and diplomatically awkward position, with two organizations bearing the same name issuing diametrically opposed narratives—one extending an official invitation, the other issuing public warnings.

Observers within the Nepali diaspora say the controversy reflects a long-standing legitimacy crisis within NRNA NCC USA and NRNA ICC, where competing leadership claims have frequently resulted in parallel committees, duplicate letterheads, and public disputes that spill into the broader community.

Calls for Clarity and Official Intervention

In response, community leaders and diaspora members are urging:

• The Government of Nepal to clearly verify and disclose which organization, if any, holds official standing.

• The Embassy of Nepal in Washington, D.C. to issue guidance to prevent diplomatic confusion.

• NRNA’s international coordinating mechanisms to urgently resolve the leadership and legitimacy dispute.

Until such clarification is provided, analysts warn that any official engagement could expose organizers and invitees alike to legal, reputational, and diplomatic risks.

As of publication, Minister Bablu Gupta has not publicly commented on the controversy, and it remains unclear whether the scheduled visit will proceed.

This story is developing.