Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Going against the party statute, former Nepali Congress (NC) President Sher Bahadur Deuba has resumed using the title of party president.
Deuba arrived at the Chundevi-based office of the party’s dissident faction on Sunday and sat in the chamber of ‘party president’. A nameplate reading ‘Party President Sher Bahadur Deuba’ was hung outside the office, and a similar nameplate was placed on his table inside.
Deuba was seen sitting in his office in high spirits. Photos and videos posted on social media showed leaders including Min Bishwakarma welcoming him to the office.
The leadership dispute of the NC is currently pending in the Supreme Court.
On January 16, the Election Commission recognized the new Central Working Committee under Gagan Kumar Thapa elected from the Special General Convention held from January 11 to 14. The Supreme Court upheld the Election Commission’s decision on April 17. Although the faction initially said that it would accept the court’s verdict, it applied for a review of the decision on July 23.
Deuba, who was injured in an attack by protesters during the Gen Z protests in September last year, left for Singapore for treatment in the last week of February. He returned to Nepal on August 13, a week after the Supreme Court decided to review its previous verdict.
Deuba returned to Nepal on August 13 after the Supreme Court ordered a fresh hearing into the dispute over the party’s special general convention from the beginning. The case is now set for a review by the full bench of the Supreme Court.
The octogenarian leader appears upbeat after the court decided to conduct a fresh hearing on the issue. Sources say he has been telling leaders visiting him that he is ready for party unity. However, his recent actions signal a strong attachment to the presidency rather than a genuine drive for unification.
Displaying a nameplate for a presidency unrecognized by the party statute and formal structure shows the contradiction between Deuba’s claims and his actions. Although Deuba says he is in favor of party unity, he appears inclined to await the court verdict rather than initiating immediate dialogue with President Thapa.
During a meeting on Sunday with leader Nain Singh Mahar, Deuba hinted that he prioritizes the legal process over immediate talks with Thapa. “I proposed that dialogue should take place between you two. He said, ‘Fine, we can start talks. But let us also see the court process, which is underway,'” Mahar told Himalpress.
On the same day, during a meeting with party leader Karna Malla, Deuba said he was extremely serious about uniting the party.
While the party leadership is moving forward with preparations for the 15th General Convention, the Deuba faction is waiting for the court ruling.
During his long political career, Deuba has held numerous major positions, from student leadership to party president and prime minister. His journey began as president of the Nepal Student Union and led to roles as home minister, leader of the main opposition party, a five-time prime minister, and a two-time president of the Nepali Congress.
Deuba, who repeatedly received opportunities to lead the government and the party, has consistently demonstrated an ability to return to the center of power even after losing it. When removed as prime minister, he returned to the post; when disciplined by the party, he formed a separate party and eventually returned to the parent party to become its president.
Deuba’s political life reflects a continuous cycle of struggle, political ups and downs, gaining power, losing power and regaining it. His current inability to remain strictly in the role of former president brings his deep affinity for high office back to the surface.
Deuba appears uncomfortable restricting himself to the role of former president. His smile while sitting behind a nameplate reading “Party President Sher Bahadur Deuba” at his office, even though the party is legally under Thapa, shows he is not ready to accept the party’s legitimate leadership.
The former prime minister’s actions have raised questions about his commitment to party unity. While speaking of unity, he appears unwilling to vacate the president’s chair. This raises a valid question: Is Deuba really seeking unity or the post of party president?
