Nepali Congress Dispute: Moderate Voices at Dissident Faction’s National Assembly, Court Hope Erodes Chance for Unity
Former Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba, after returning to Kathmandu following a prolonged stay abroad, publicly shared on Thursday, reflecting on his experience, “I return not as a leader, but as a lifelong citizen of this great nation—ready to serve with humility, dedication, and love.” Addressing the party’s dissident faction gathering on Friday, he expressed his willingness to assume any role. “Regarding this national matter, I am prepared to take on any responsibility for nationalism, democracy, and the people’s interest,” he stated. “I will strive to seek a comprehensive national consensus and pursue solutions based on constitutional processes and frameworks.” He affirmed his strong commitment to “engage in wide-ranging dialogues with national and democratic forces to advance national consensus.”
He identified himself as displaced within the party by the recent Special Convention, which, in his view, violated laws, statutes, and procedures, reflecting the internal dissent and fresh conflict. Given that disputes over the Special Convention’s legitimacy have been raised again before the Supreme Court, Deuba refrained from further comment. “However, I am confident that we will receive justice from the Supreme Court,” he affirmed. Furthermore, he underscored the necessity of unity, stating, “The current impasse must transform into broad unity where justice is ensured for all sides and emotions are respected.”
Many question whether Deuba will take initiative in this regard. Yet, his close associates suggest a mindset of waiting for the court’s final verdict. “It will be very difficult to achieve unity until the final review decision is issued,” leader NP Saud remarked. “Only after the decision will there be a political resolution on the party’s unity.” Congress leader Krishna Prasad Sitaula also expressed hope following the court’s recent decision to review the case. He commented, “I believe the Supreme Court’s decision will ensure justice for the Congress party.”
Another leader, Prakash Man Singh, perceived that the court’s ruling opens the path for continuity of the committee elected by the 14th General Convention. He said, “There is ample room to progress from the 14th to the 15th General Convention.” Moderate leader Dr. Shekhar Koirala, emphasizing party unity, stated, “The Supreme Court will deliver some form of justice, and with that, we will move forward together, taking Congress along.”
