Sher Bahadur Deuba Returns to Nepal: What’s Next and What the Congress Establishment Expects
After more than five months abroad, former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba, upon his return to Nepal, refrained from making any statements to the well-wishers gathered at Tribhuvan International Airport. However, he released a two-page message on social media. “The Nepali Congress needs to unify itself and move forward by reaching consensus and cooperating with all other active political parties in the country. Today’s imperative is for everyone to join hands to strengthen the nation’s nationalism and democracy,” the message reads. “The disagreements currently visible within the Nepali Congress must be resolved immediately. When there is discord in the country’s main party, the very nationalism of the country could weaken. Therefore, I appeal to all leaders, workers, well-wishers, supporters, voters of the Nepali Congress, and the general Nepali public to believe in Congress’s collective spirit, recognizing the sacrifices, dedication, and struggles made according to that principle, and to move forward accordingly. Nepali Congress does not belong to any individual’s ego but must prioritize the supreme interests of the people.”
Known for his reserved public demeanor, Deuba made no public remarks at the airport. Experts say his forthcoming statements over the next few days could be decisive in determining whether Nepali Congress unites or splits. Former acting party chairman Purn Bahadur Khadka, who was present to welcome him, described Deuba’s role as “decisive” for the party’s complete unity.
What are the leadership’s expectations? Having served as Prime Minister five times and as party chairman, Deuba’s rejection of the special general convention organized by a large faction within the Nepali Congress still holds significant influence among many leaders and workers of that group, political observers note.
His return coincided just before the discontented faction, led by Gagan Thapa, was planning a ‘National Gathering,’ leading many to interpret his arrival as a meaningful development. The establishment faction’s leaders expect Deuba’s homecoming to send a message of unity within the party. “He is an experienced figure who has reached the top level of Nepali Congress. He is in a position to contribute maturely to unify the party,” said Pradeep Paudel, General Secretary of Nepali Congress. “We expect him to present himself actively in the process of unifying Nepali Congress.”
