Sher Bahadur Deuba
KATHMANDU: The political establishment that had dominated party and state power for over four decades never imagined that a two-day Gen Z uprising would push them to the wall. The protests of September 8 and 9 (Bhadra 23–24) hit the traditional political parties hardest, shattering the arrogance of leaders who believed their word was final and their actions unquestionable.
Neither the ruling elite nor veteran leaders were spared. Former Prime Minister and Nepali Congress (NC) President Sher Bahadur Deuba was manhandled by protesters.
Protesters attacked the luxurious residence of former Prime Minister and Nepali Congress (NC) President Sher Bahadur Deuba in Budhanilkantha, injuring both Deuba and his wife, Foreign Minister Arzu Rana Deuba. The couple, who normally live under tight security, barely managed to escape and were later admitted to the Army Hospital in Chhauni. After recovering, they have moved into a rented house, as their residence was gutted by fire during the unrest.
Since being injured, Deuba has not physically attended party meetings. Vice President Purna Bahadur Khadka has been chairing internal meetings in his absence.
An interim government led by former Chief Justice Sushila Karki has been formed after the protest, with a mandate to hold general elections on March 5. Political parties have begun internal preparations for the election.
Within the NC, however, the leadership question has become more contentious than the election itself. Party leaders have started saying that the current leadership has failed and that new leadership must guide the party into elections.
Deuba himself has reportedly told colleagues that he won’t be in party leadership now. NC sources say Deuba has personally called senior leaders to convey his intention to step down. But rival factions doubt his intention, stating that he has made similar statements in the past without following through.
Even those close to Deuba say his statement about stepping aside refers to the party’s 15th General Convention — not the present political situation. “Deuba has said he won’t run for party president, but that’s for the 15th Convention, not for now,” said Min Bahadur Bishwakarma, chief of the party’s Publicity Department. “He has been saying this for two years.”
The Gen Z movement has forced all parties to rethink their direction. Some have even announced readiness to replace their top leadership in line with the youth movement’s demands. However, NC, the country’s oldest party, is entangled in internal disputes.
Although the election schedule has already been published, there has been little coordination between the government and the Election Commission. Fires during the protests destroyed significant infrastructure, including parts of Singha Durbar and parliamentary buildings, raising questions about whether elections are feasible under such circumstances.
Despite this uncertainty, no serious discussion has taken place about the practical challenges of conducting elections.
At a time when the nation is starting at a fragile political climate, the NC, which prides itself as a defender of democracy, appears confused and divided. Deuba’s injuries and absence have left the party without clear direction.
Former NC Vice President Bimalendra Nidhi has said that if Deuba cannot attend meetings, he should formally designate an acting president to make timely decisions. “We have already delayed maintaining our position after the election date was announced,” Nidhi said. “If the president cannot attend, he should delegate authority to the vice president so the party can move forward and prepare for the general convention.”
The NC has called a meeting of its Central Working Committee for October 12 to discuss the country’s changed political situation and the party’s strategy. However, it remains unclear whether Deuba will attend the meeting.
Bishwakarma claims that the meeting will end all confusion surrounding the party. “All issues — including leadership, the special convention and the party’s political stance — will be clarified at the meeting,” he said.
The rival faction, led by Dr. Shekhar Koirala, is pushing for an immediate special convention to elect new leadership, arguing that the current team has failed. Leaders close to Koirala, including Guru Ghimire, have already launched a signature campaign demanding it.
According to the party statute, Deuba’s current term expires in the second week of December. The establishment faction wants to hold a regular general convention after that date, while the anti-establishment faction insists that only a special convention can resolve the crisis.
“Since the election has already been announced, there is no time for a regular convention,” Ghimire said. “We cannot afford delays. The Central Working Committee must announce a special convention immediately.”
He warned that extending the current committee’s tenure under the pretext of a regular convention would not be acceptable. “The current leadership has failed to read the political moment,” he said. “We need new leadership — the party cannot go into elections under the same failed command.”
