BAITADI, Feb 26: As the election campaign intensifies, curiosity is growing over the presence — or even the voice — of former Nepali Congress (NC) President Sher Bahadur Deuba. The search for Deuba is not only confined to his home district of Dadeldhura but has spread across all nine districts of Sudurpaschim Province. Yet, according to leaders close to Deuba, there is still no confirmed schedule for him to visit the region as of Thursday morning. Amid speculation about his election-time visibility, reports suggest that Deuba flew to Singapore on Wednesday night.
The absence of Deuba is being closely watched because of his political influence in the region. In the 2022 elections, NC secured 8 out of 16 constituencies across Sudurpaschim’s 9 districts, while other parties split the remaining seats. This made the province a strong electoral base for the party. However, this time, Deuba’s low profile has left grassroots voters and local NC supporters somewhat uncertain. Local party workers are now trying to fill the gap by campaigning in Deuba’s name.
Locals in Sudurpaschim affectionately call Deuba “Badda” (elder leader), and his absence is being felt in everyday spaces — from tea shops to meat shops and local gathering spots. Many voters have expressed disappointment at not seeing their familiar political figure during the election season. Local NC leaders and candidates are now working harder to maintain voter confidence despite Deuba’s physical absence.
“We are reassuring voters. We are telling them that Nepali Congress is like a tree, and we are asking them to protect and vote for the tree,” said NC Baitadi Deputy Secretary Dipendra Bahadur Chand. He is working to help NC candidate Chatur Bahadur Chand secure victory in the district.
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Meanwhile, some local businesses are also feeling the impact of the political atmosphere. Kamal Bohara, who runs a meat shop near Tufandanda close to Amargadhi Municipality headquarters in Dadeldhura, said business has slowed this election season. “Last time, business was booming during the elections. Customers were crowded in the shop. But this time, there is no excitement,” Bohara said. He added that during the previous election, party workers and leaders from Bajhang, Doti, Bajura, and Achham frequently visited to meet Deuba. “This time, no one from outside the district has come. So how can business pick up?” he said.
In Dadeldhura, NC candidate Nain Singh Mahar is actively campaigning using Deuba’s political image. His campaign materials carry Deuba’s photograph, and he often tells voters that he has been close to dadda throughout his life. “I have heard that he may come if his health allows, but I have not received any concrete information,” Mahar said, declining to comment further on Deuba’s possible visit. Other leaders close to Deuba in Sudurpaschim have also remained non-committal.
NC Sudurpaschim Province President Bir Bahadur Balayar also avoided giving a clear answer about Deuba’s visit. He said no official schedule had been prepared as of Thursday morning. “As far as I know, he is currently unwell. His blood pressure has increased, and I have not heard of any planned visit to Sudurpaschim,” he said.
However, one NC provincial office bearer said Deuba’s chances of visiting the region during the election period were very low. “Those who say Congress cannot win elections just by showing his face — why are they now looking for Deuba?” he said. The leader also claimed that Deuba’s blood pressure had reportedly risen sharply. “I have heard it reached as high as 195/120. He is receiving treatment,” he added.
Can NC maintain its electoral dominance?
In the previous election, NC performed strongly across Sudurpaschim. The party won in Bajura (Badri Pandey), Achham-2 (Pushpa Shah), Darchula (Dilendra Badu), Dadeldhura (Deuba himself), Kailali-4 (Bir Bahadur Balayar), Kailali-5 (Dilli Raj Pant), Kanchanpur-2 (NP Saud), and Kanchanpur-3 (Ramesh Lekhak).
In contrast, CPN-UML won two seats — Kanchanpur-1 (Tara Lama Tamang) and Baitadi (Damodar Bhandari). The then CPN (Unified Socialist) secured three seats — Bajhang (Bhanubhakta Jaisi), Achham-1 (Sher Bahadur Kunar), and Doti (Prem Ale). Meanwhile, the Nagarik Unmukti Party won three constituencies in Kailali — 1, 2, and 3, with Ranjita Shrestha, Arun Kumar Chaudhary, and Gangaram Chaudhary respectively.
No big rallies yet
NC leaders in Sudurpaschim said there has been no information about holding large election rallies in the province as of Thursday morning. One provincial NC leader said, “I have heard the party plans to hold large provincial-level rallies, but I have not received any confirmation that such rallies will be held in Sudurpaschim.”
