Future of Deuba Faction Uncertain Within Congress After Election Commission’s Recognition

Kathmandu – Following the Election Commission’s registration and recognition of the Central Working Committee elected by the special general convention, two opposing views regarding the future of the faction supporting former President Sher Bahadur Deuba have become clear within the Nepali Congress. On one hand, some senior leaders are preparing to go to court against the Commission’s decision, while on the other, third-tier leaders are openly seeking to return to the mainstream under the party’s tree and flag.

In the meantime, the Central Working Committee meeting held at the party office in Baneshwor under the chairmanship of President Gagan Thapa unanimously passed a proposal for former President Deuba to assume a guardian role. The official statement issued after the meeting said the party “highly values the contribution of the respected former President Sher Bahadur Deuba, who has provided leadership to the Nepali Congress for a long time,” and “expresses confidence that he along with other seniors will provide guardianship and full support in the days to come.”

According to sources, a mindset has solidified among Deuba-aligned former office bearers and some senior central members to not contest the election and not be part of the working committee under President Gagan Thapa’s leadership. They are preparing to advance the legal battle against the Election Commission’s decision.

However, the party’s third-tier leaders, especially youth and province/local-level workers, are trying to return to where the tree and flag belong. They have expressed their desire to participate in the process of party unity and inclusive ticket distribution under the leadership of the new President, Gagan Thapa.

According to political analysts, the Election Commission’s recognition has had a major impact on the internal power balance of the Congress. The decision by the Deuba faction to now focus solely on the legal battle or to come into coordination within the party itself seems set to play a decisive role in the future unity of the Congress.

President Thapa has continued discussions for party unity. However, uncertainty within the Congress will persist until it becomes clear whether the Deuba faction will accept the Commission’s decision or take to the legal battlefield.