Top Battle For FNCCI Leadership: Hemraj Dhakal vs. Ramchandra Sanghai Panel Analysis
12th March 2026, Kathmandu
The Federation of Nepalese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FNCCI) is witnessing an electric atmosphere as the private sector’s umbrella organization prepares for its 60th Annual General Meeting on Chaitra 28 and 29.
Top Battle For FNCCI Leadership
With the transition of leadership at stake, the spotlight is firmly fixed on the intense battle for the position of Senior Vice President.
As current Senior Vice President Anjan Shrestha is set to automatically ascend to the Presidency, the race for the “second-in-command,” the gateway to future leadership, has narrowed down to a high-stakes showdown between Hemraj Dhakal and Ramchandra Sanghai.
Hemraj Dhakal’s Power Panel: Backed by Legacy
Current Commodity Vice President Hemraj Dhakal has officially fired the opening salvo by announcing his candidacy alongside a formidable panel. Dhakal’s campaign is bolstered by significant “institutional memory,” receiving public endorsements from a gallery of former presidents, including Pashupati Murarka, Pradip Kumar Shrestha, and Ravibhakta Shrestha.
Notably, the presence of the incumbent President Chandra Prasad Dhakal and former President Chandiraj Dhakal (Hemraj’s brother) at the announcement highlights the deep-rooted influence this panel carries into the election arena.
The Dhakal Panel Lineup
Senior Vice President: Hemraj Dhakal
Associate Vice President: Jyotsna Shrestha
Commodity Vice President: Nareshlal Shrestha
District/City Vice President: Kalpana Gaire and Umesh Dalmia
Proposed Women’s Vice President: Kamala Shrestha
Ramchandra Sanghai’s Strategic Rebound
After a narrow defeat three years ago, Ramchandra Sanghai is returning to the ring with a revamped strategy. While Shanghai is the primary face, internal discussions suggest a potential tactical shift involving Surakshya Vaidya. Vaidya, a seasoned leader with a “natural candidate” claim, has hinted that his team will formally unveil their vision on Chaitra 6.
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Shanghai’s strength lies in its alliance with Prabaljung Pandey, the Chairman of Citizens Bank. Pandey’s family legacy and professional maturity make him a heavyweight contender in the Associate category, potentially tilting the scales in Sanghai’s favor.
The Potential Sanghai/Vaidya Lineup:
Senior Vice President: Ramchandra Sanghai (or Surakshya Vaidya)
Associate Vice President: Prabaljung Pandey
Commodity Vice President: Shiva Prasad Ghimire
District/City Vice President: Krishna Prasad Sharma and Dilsundar Shrestha
A Paradigm Shift: The Bylaw Amendment
This election marks a historic turning point for the FNCCI. Under the leadership of President Chandra Prasad Dhakal, the bylaws have been amended to remove the automatic transition from Senior Vice President to President.
Key Changes Include
Direct Elections: Future Presidents will be elected directly, though this begins after Anjan Shrestha’s upcoming term.
Expanded Leadership: The Federation will now feature two Senior Vice Presidents and an increased number of Women Vice Presidents, aiming for more inclusive and robust representation.
The Road to Chaitra 28
As both panels intensify their district tours and lobbying efforts, the core message remains a choice between continuity and tactical reform. Hemraj Dhakal’s team emphasizes a united private sector to relieve economic pressure, while the Sanghai/Vaidya camp promises a disciplined approach to leadership.
With the market remaining dynamic but under pressure, the Nepalese business community is looking for a leader who can bridge the gap between policy and practice.
Whether it is the legacy-backed Dhakal or the strategically resilient Sanghai, the outcome will define the trajectory of Nepal’s private sector for years to come.
For more: Top Battle For FNCCI Leadership
