Nepali Congress spokesperson Prakash Sharan Mahat has criticized senior party leaders for lacking sensitivity after a fatal attack on party president Sher Bahadur Deuba. At a press conference on Sunday, held at his residence that was set on fire by protesters a day earlier, Mahat indirectly pointed at General Secretaries Gagan Thapa and Bishwo Prakash Sharma. He said raising the issue of leadership change at such a critical moment sends the wrong message.
Mahat Urges Restraint Amid Leadership Debate
Mahat argued that internal debates should not overshadow the fact that the party president is still undergoing medical treatment. “At a time when the president is recovering from a serious assault, it is unfortunate that responsible leaders are talking about leadership change instead of standing together,” he stated.
He said unity is needed to overcome challenges, and fueling disputes only adds instability. Mahat noted the inconsistency of some leaders, recalling how they had recently praised Deuba’s leadership.
“Just four days ago, these same leaders were calling the president the most capable leader. Now they are demanding immediate change. Such contradictions only push the party further into crisis,” he said.
Call for Unity and Proper Forum for Discussion
Mahat explained that leadership discussions could take place once Deuba’s treatment is completed. “The party has mechanisms, including the Central Committee, where serious evaluations can be held. But initiating such debates while the president is still under treatment is inappropriate,” he stressed.
Mahat warned that such actions could harm not only the Congress party but also the country’s stability. “Anti-democratic forces benefit from such unbalanced debates. That is why maintaining restraint and balance is essential,” he added.
