Himal Press 
NC leader Nain Singh Mahar (right) with former party President Sher Bahadur Deuba
KATHMANDU: Former Nepali Congress (NC) President Sher Bahadur Deuba does not appear ready to meet and hold talks with party President Gagan Kumar Thapa immediately.
Although the dispute within the party can only be resolved through dialogue, Deuba appears inclined to wait for the court’s decision before moving forward, according to NC leader Nain Singh Mahar.
Mahar, who is the coordinator of the ‘Campaign to Connect the Country and Congress ‘, held talks with Deuba on Sunday as part of efforts to end the growing internal dispute in the party. He had earlier met with President Thapa and urged him to initiate efforts for party unity.
During his meeting with Deuba, Mahar stressed the need for immediate talks between Deuba and Thapa.
Although Deuba did not rule out the possibility of talks, he indicated that he preferred to wait for the court’s decision on the matter under consideration rather than hold an immediate meeting.
“I told him you two should hold talks. He said he was okay with starting talks but said let’s see how the matter under consideration by the court proceeds,” Mahar told Himal Press over the phone.
According to Mahar, he told Deuba that both sides needed to be flexible to preserve party unity. He said dialogue between the two leaders before the court’s decision could create a basis for resolving the dispute.
Mahar has put forward three options for both leaders to preserve party unity. First, either side could step aside and allow the other to lead. Second, both sides could sit together and move forward by appointing a third person to party leadership. Third, both sides should commit to accepting whoever the court recognizes as the legitimate party leader.
“Differences will remain even after the court’s decision. There could be disputes even before the 15th General Convention is completed. Such potential disputes can be settled now,” Mahar said. “There must be an agreement to accept whoever the court recognizes as legitimate and move forward accordingly.”
Mahar had also presented these proposals to party President Thapa a few days ago.
The dispute between Thapa, who became party president through a special general convention in January, and the faction led by former president Deuba has intensified. The Deuba faction has previously organized a national gathering and decided to continue parallel activities within the party. Although some leaders from the Deuba faction are reportedly preparing to move ahead by forming a new party, leaders advocating party unity have been working to initiate dialogue and reach an agreement between the two sides.
Mahar said Deuba’s role is crucial in ending the conflict and building a united party.
