In a landmark shift for Nepal’s political landscape, former President of Nepali Congress, Sher Bahadur Deuba, has decided not to contest the upcoming elections scheduled for March 5.
Deuba, who has maintained an undefeated streak from his home constituency of Dadeldhura since 1991, reached the decision following intense internal pressure within the party.
Sources indicate that General Secretary Gagan Thapa and Vice President Bishwa Prakash Sharma had formally requested the former party president to step aside to make way for a new generation of leaders. While Deuba initially expressed a desire to contest one "final time," his aide, Bhanu Deuba, confirmed late Monday night that Deuba has officially opted out of the race.
The decision marks the end of an era for Dadeldhura, a constituency Deuba has represented for over three decades.
The announcement comes at a time when Nepali Congress is grappling with deep internal fractures. The uncertainty extends beyond Deuba as heavyweights such as Purna Bahadur Khadka and Shekhar Koirala have yet to confirm their candidacies. Vice President Bishwa Prakash Sharma has already announced he will not be seeking a seat in this election.
Legal battle looms
The internal friction has escalated from political disagreements to a legal showdown. In an unprecedented move, Sher Bahadur Deuba and Purna Bahadur Khadka have filed a lawsuit against General Secretary Gagan Thapa.
The court is scheduled to hear the case today, adding another layer of complexity to the party's election preparations. As the polls approach, Nepali Congress finds itself at a crossroads, balancing the exit of its long-standing titan with a bitter struggle for control over the party's future course.
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