Deuba calls for unity among nationalist, democratic forces

KATHMANDU: Former Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba has called for unity to address the country’s current challenges.

Deuba returned to Kathmandu on Thursday after receiving medical treatment in Singapore and Hong Kong. In a statement issued following his arrival, he said he had returned not as a political leader seeking power but as a lifelong citizen of a great nation committed to its unity, democracy and constitutional order.

“In 1976, when BP Koirala returned to Nepal from exile in India, he declared that the time had come for all nationalist and democratic forces to unite. I believe that 47 years later, there is again a need for all-sided national unity to strengthen our national unity,” Deuba said.

Stating that the NC has embraced the change demanded by the youth, he said that all must accept the truth that we, too, must move forward with the pace of time, since the world has changed.  “This is why, even while enduring physical pain, I expressed the view back then during the Gen Z movement in September last year that its legitimate demands must be addressed,” he added.

Deuba added that change does not mean that the past was entirely bad, nor does it mean that our generation’s sacrifice and struggle were meaningless.  “Our generation had to fight for a long time for democracy, freedom, and the rights of various ethnicities, regions, and communities. Time had to be spent building a system in the country,” he said. “It is unacceptable to spread a narrative that diminishes these historic contributions. There may have been shortcomings, but while accepting them, everyone must hold hands to build a prosperous nation.”

He also said that the government must move forward on the path of fulfilling the people’s aspirations. “If the ruling party emerging from a fresh mandate fails to honor the people’s vote, no one can alter the fact that people are supreme in a democracy,” he added. “We, therefore, are ready to cooperate in managing the process of change. We will not run blindly; we will move every transformation forward based on wisdom, transparency and justice.”

Deuba also appealed for unity in the Nepali Congress. “The need of the hour is for the NC to unite internally and move forward with consensus and cooperation with all active political parties in the country. Working together, we must strengthen national sovereignty and democracy,” he said. “Disagreements and disillusionment currently seen within the NC must be resolved immediately. When the party faces internal conflict, the nation’s stability and sovereignty weaken.”

The veteran leader also took a jibe at growing calls for young leadership. “Moving forward with young colleagues is necessary, but that does not mean seasoned and experienced leaders are entirely bad. I request all leaders and cadres not to fall behind narratives created on social media,” he said. “I have no political ambition to gain anything personally, but it is my duty to ensure that my past experiences benefit the country and the party, and to share those experiences with the new generation.”

He reiterated that his return should not be viewed as an attempt to reclaim political power, but as the return of a citizen committed to Nepal, democracy, national unity and constitutional governance.