Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba has re-engaged in active political discussions. After undergoing additional medical treatment in Singapore, he returned to Nepal on Kartik 28.
Following his arrival, Deuba began working to address internal disputes within the party. On Saturday evening, he met several close office-bearers and central committee members. Today, he also held a separate meeting with General Secretary Bishwaprakash Sharma.
During these meetings, Deuba has emphasized the need to keep the party united. “President Deuba has been holding meetings with party leaders,” spokesperson Prakash Sharan Mahat told . “His message is that the party must move forward in unity as it prepares for the election.”
Debate Over General Convention Timing and Leadership Roles
Discussions related to the timing of the general convention are being led by Acting President Purna Bahadur Khadka, who is consulting leaders in an effort to build consensus. According to spokesperson Mahat, party leaders have proposed finalizing the active membership by Poush and holding the 15th General Convention in Baisakh after the national elections.
Deuba has also urged all leaders to support the acting president and ensure that decisions are taken unanimously through the central committee. On Ashoj 28, Deuba attended a central committee meeting and assigned Vice President Khadka the responsibility of acting president.
After returning from Singapore, Deuba and Khadka have already discussed internal party matters and current political developments. On Bhadra 24, during the Gen-Z protests, protesters attacked Deuba and his wife, injuring both of them.
Party Dispute Intensifies Ahead of Elections
For nearly a month, leaders in the Congress central committee have been expressing their views, but no concrete decision has been reached. A central committee meeting has been scheduled for Monday afternoon. Ahead of the meeting, both Deuba and Acting President Khadka are working to forge consensus.
The key dispute within the party is whether to hold the general convention before the elections. Fifty-four percent of general convention representatives submitted signatures to the acting president on Ashoj 29 demanding a special general convention, arguing that the process should begin accordingly.
In this context, Deuba has become active again, holding discussions with leaders to ensure decisions are reached through consensus. While former members of the House of Representatives have been collecting signatures in favor of restoring the House, Deuba appears to support moving ahead with elections.
The government has scheduled the House of Representatives election for Fagun 21 and the National Assembly election for Magh 11. Several office-bearers and former leaders close to Deuba argue that the general convention cannot be held before these two elections.
However, General Secretaries Gagan Thapa and Bishwaprakash Sharma continue to push for holding the general convention—regular or special—before the elections.
