Leadership debate while party president is still recovering is inappropriate: Mahat

KATHMANDU: Nepali Congress (NC) Spokesperson Dr Prakash Sharan Mahat has said that calls for a leadership transition in the party are inappropriate, particularly at a time when party President Sher Bahadur Deuba is still recovering from a recent attack.

Speaking at a press conference at his residence in Maharajgunj, which was torched by protesters during Gen Z protest, on Sunday morning, Mahat said fueling internal disputes in such a sensitive period was like “rubbing salt into wounds”. He stressed the need for unity within the party and expressed dissatisfaction over what he described as divisive tendencies.

Without naming names, Mahat indirectly criticized General Secretaries Gagan Thapa and Bishwo Prakash Sharma, who, along with other leaders, have suggested leadership change in line with the aspirations of the Gen Z movement. “Those who were seen standing close to President Deuba just a few days ago are now questioning his leadership,” Mahat said.

He recalled that the NC had already criticized the undemocratic style of outgoing Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli. However, Dr Mahat argued that demanding immediate leadership change under the current circumstances was unreasonable.

“Our leader has suffered a serious attack. At the very least, we should wait until his treatment is complete,” Mahat said.

While acknowledging that discussion and reform within the party are necessary, he saod such moves must proceed through official party mechanisms and decisions.