Back in Nepal, Deuba seeks to reclaim Congress leadership

A significant shift has occurred within the Nepali Congress as leaders aligned with former president Sher Bahadur Deuba propose reinstating him as party president and conducting the 15th general convention under his leadership. This move comes in the wake of the Supreme Court agreeing to review its April 17 decision, which had recognized the Gagan Thapa-led faction as the legitimate party leadership. The Deuba faction now sees two paths forward: awaiting the court's final ruling or proceeding with the convention under Deuba's guidance.

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We can either wait for the court’s final verdict or accept the central working committee elected under Sher Bahadur Deuba’s leadership from the 14th general convention and go to the general convention.

Prakash Sharan Mahat, a prominent leader close to Deuba, stated that Sher Bahadur Deuba should naturally lead the 15th general convention. He suggested that if the opposing faction is willing to hold the convention under Deuba's leadership, there is no need to wait for the court's final verdict, as unity can be achieved in the interim. Mahat believes Deuba's leadership would facilitate the accommodation of rival groups, ensuring no one is favored or sidelined.

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Naturally, Sher Bahadur Deuba should conduct the 15th general convention. There was an accident in between in the name of a special convention. Now that the Supreme Court has agreed to review its earlier decision, if the other side is ready to hold the general convention under Sher Bahadur Deuba’s leadership, there is no need to wait for the final verdict. Unity can be achieved in the meantime.

This proposal marks a departure from the Deuba camp's previous stance. Prior to the court's review decision, its leaders were reportedly preparing for a gathering that could have led to the formation of a new party if Thapa's leadership was upheld. The court's decision has thus eased the immediate threat of a split, although the underlying dispute remains unresolved.

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Everyone can come together under Sher Bahadur Deuba’s leadership. No one will be favoured or sidelined.

Deuba, a five-time prime minister, returned to Nepal after a five-month absence and immediately addressed his supporters, rejecting allegations of financial irregularities. He drew parallels to past political challenges, including the Panchayat era and King Gyanendra's rule, suggesting his resilience. Deuba also issued an appeal for an end to internal disagreements, warning that the ongoing dispute could weaken national unity and urging leaders and cadres to move forward with mutual respect for the party's history and struggles.

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King Gyanendra could not do it; can anyone else do it here?