Supreme Court Review Order Encourages Deuba Faction, National Gathering to Proceed as Scheduled

Dragon Media Correspondent

The faction of former Nepali Congress president Sher Bahadur Deuba has expressed renewed confidence after the Supreme Court granted permission to review its earlier ruling in the dispute over the party’s official recognition.

Following the court’s decision, leaders of the Deuba faction have indicated that the possibility of immediately moving toward a party split has receded for the time being.

A full bench comprising Chief Justice Dr. Manoj Kumar Sharma and Justices Nityananda Pandey and Shrikant Poudel on Thursday heard the petition filed by Sher Bahadur Deuba and Purna Bahadur Khadka and granted permission to review the previous ruling.

With the order, the dispute over the official recognition of the Nepali Congress has once again returned to the Supreme Court for further consideration. However, the Deuba faction has decided to proceed with the National Gathering scheduled for Shrawan 29.

According to leader Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat, the gathering has not been organized with the objective of splitting the party. Instead, it will discuss the circumstances that led to the current situation in the Nepali Congress, the party’s future direction, its statute, organizational management, economic policy and possible revisions to its political outlook.

Mahat said the faction views the Supreme Court’s decision to allow a review as an opportunity for its arguments to be heard again. He added that the group would now remain in a “wait-and-see” position until the court issues a final decision.

He also maintained that the Deuba faction continues to favor party unity. According to Mahat, dialogue and reconciliation within the party remain possible, and the Nepali Congress should move forward in unity regardless of which side ultimately receives a favorable court ruling.

Mahat said there were no immediate plans for formal dialogue with the establishment faction, as the group is currently focused on preparations for the National Gathering. Further political consultations could take place after the gathering, he added.

Former president Deuba, who is currently in Hong Kong, is also expected to attend the gathering. According to Mahat, Deuba has been invited and is expected to return to Nepal by Shrawan 26.

Following the Supreme Court’s review order, the Deuba faction appears to have concluded that there is no immediate need to pursue an alternative political course. Both sides are now closely watching the court’s upcoming hearings and eventual decision in the dispute over the official recognition of the Nepali Congress.