Deuba indicates Khadka will continue as Acting President for some time

KATHMANDU: Nepali Congress (NC) President Sher Bahadur Deuba does not seem in the mood to reclaim the position of acting party president from Purna Bahadur Khadka.

NC Spokesperson Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat said Deuba, who returned after completing his treatment from Singapore on Friday, did not appear inclined to take back the role during a meeting with party leaders on Saturday.

“The party president told us he will not be active in party affairs immediately. He did not speak about taking back the responsibility from Acting President Khadka,” Mahat told Himal Press.

Mahat added that Deuba has instructed leaders to resolve the ongoing internal dispute through coordination under Khadka’s leadership.

“His suggestion is that matters, including the general convention dates, should be settled through consensus as far as possible,” Mahat said.

The NC is currently divided over whether to hold its 15th General Convention before the election or after it.

Deuba came under attack at his residence in Budhanilkantha, Kathmandu, on September 9 during the Gen Z protests. After receiving treatment at the Nepal Army Hospital, he appointed Vice-President Purna Bahadur Khadka as Acting President and travelled to Singapore for further treatment.

Deuba returned home on Friday after treatment abroad.

On Saturday, leaders like Spokesperson Mahat, Bal Krishna Khand, Gyanendra Bahadur Karki, NP Saud and others met Deuba at his residence. During the meeting, Mahat and other leaders reiterated their position that the issue of active party membership must be settled before the elections.

The House of Representatives was dissolved on September 12, and elections were announced for March 5.