KATHMANDU, Oct 15: Nepali Congress (NC) President Sher Bahadur Deuba has initiated the party’s leadership transition process.
Appearing publicly for the first time on Tuesday since the attack against him during the Gen Z uprising of September 9, Deuba attended a meeting at the party’s central office in Sanepa, Lalitpur, signaling the start of the leadership handover process.
Speaking emotionally in a 13-page statement divided into eight key points, Deuba — who made his first public appearance in 35 days — announced that he has decided to hand over the responsibility of acting party president to Vice President Purna Bahadur Khadka, citing deteriorating health.
Deuba informed the Central Committee about his complicated health condition and said he is preparing to travel abroad for further treatment soon.
As internal debate over leadership transition and the upcoming general convention intensifies, Deuba reminded party leaders that he had already declared his intention to step down earlier. He also reiterated that both the party’s statute and his age prevent him from contesting for the presidency again.
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Before the Gen Z movement of September 8 and 9, Deuba had publicly stated during a memorial event in Chitwan on June 27 — organized in memory of NC leader Gauridevi Pradhan — that he was preparing to “retire” from active politics.
His earlier silence on the leadership issue had fueled speculation among party members that he might seek to amend the party’s statute to extend his tenure or run again. However, by announcing the start of the leadership transition, Deuba has dispelled such doubts and urged party leaders to move forward in unity.
Although the party’s statute limits the presidential term to four years, leaders including Dr Shekhar Koirala had accused Deuba of exploiting loopholes to prolong his term. They have been pressing for the general convention for the past year.
The general convention, however, has been delayed due to the unresolved issue of active membership distribution. Following the recent political upheaval, pressure has mounted on top leaders of major political parties, including the NC, to transfer leadership to the new generation.
In this context, General Secretaries Gagan Kumar Thapa and Bishwa Prakash Sharma have launched a nationwide signature campaign demanding a special general convention.
With the term of the current central committee and convention representatives about to expire, they have insisted that the party must hold the regular general convention by mid-December or opt for a special convention if that is not possible.
During Tuesday’s meeting, Deuba not only reflected on past events but also expressed concern about the current situation and emphasized the need for unity for the party’s future.
Expressing sadness over the recent Gen Z movement and its aftermath, Deuba praised President Ram Chandra Paudel for his efforts to guide the country toward political stability after the September 9 incidents.
Accompanied by his wife and central committee member Arzu Rana Deuba, the NC President described September 9 as a painful day. He indicated that the party is positive about participating in the upcoming election but clarified that the environment is not yet conducive.
He urged the government to prepare for the elections and called on party leaders and cadres to begin their preparations as well. However, Deuba remained silent on whether he supports holding a special general convention or the regular convention by mid-December.
Instead, he stressed the need for unity within the party and directed the Central Committee to reach decisions accordingly. The NC Central Committee meeting has been postponed to October 16.
While both party members and the president himself appear ready for a leadership transition, there is still no consensus on when it will actually take place.
Leaders including Dr Shekhar Koirala advocate holding the regular general convention at the earliest, arguing that merely changing the central leadership without addressing broader political and organizational challenges will not resolve the party’s or the country’s crises. Meanwhile, General Secretaries Thapa and Sharma maintain that if the general convention cannot be held by mid-December, the party must go for a special convention instead.
Party insiders say the upcoming Central Committee meeting will focus on resolving this issue.
