KATHMANDU: Former Nepali Congress (NC) President and former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has said that the disputes within the party must be resolved through dialogue, consensus, and cooperation.
Addressing the national gathering of the Nepali Congress non-establishment faction that began in Kathmandu on Friday, Deuba stressed the need to transform internal disagreements into greater unity.
He accused the party of violating its rules, statute, and procedures in the name of the special general convention. Saying that the matter is currently under consideration in the Supreme Court, Deuba refrained from making further comments but expressed confidence that the court would deliver justice.
Deuba said emotional unity and reconciliation within the Nepali Congress are essential. He warned that prolonged internal disputes could weaken not only the party but also democracy and national unity.
“The disagreements currently seen within the party should be transformed into a broader unity where everyone receives justice and everyone’s feelings are respected. No one should be guided by personal interests. The interests of the Nepali Congress must be the basis of unity,” he said.
He also urged party leaders and cadres to stand firmly in favour of unity and to place the party, democracy, and national interest above personal ambitions and prejudices.
Pride in political change
Deuba said the Nepali Congress had played a decisive role in Nepal’s major political transformations and argued that narratives that undermine the party’s historical contribution should be challenged politically.
According to him, the Congress led the movement to end the Rana regime in 2007 BS, restore democracy in 2046 BS, guide the People’s Movement of 2062/63 BS, and promulgate the Constitution in 2072 BS.
“The Nepali Congress has led every major political change in the country, and I am proud of that,” Deuba said. He also urged party leaders and cadres to make the younger generation aware of the important milestones in Nepal’s political history.
Congress must play a national role
Deuba described the current political situation as sensitive and said Nepali Congress leaders and cadres must play a responsible role in safeguarding national unity and strengthening democracy.
He said the party should take responsibility for transforming the growing public frustration into hope.
Stating that the country is passing through a difficult phase politically, economically, socially, and culturally, Deuba said he would work to seek solutions through the constitutional process and broader national consensus.
He expressed his commitment to moving forward through extensive dialogue among democratic and national forces. According to Deuba, dialogue, consensus, and cooperation must become Nepal’s political culture during times of crisis. He said nationalism, democracy, socialism, and the supremacy of citizens remain the guiding ideals of his political life and that he would remain committed to them until his last day.
Need for trust within Congress
Deuba expressed hope that the national gathering would help create an atmosphere of trust within the party and encourage greater dialogue and cooperation.
He wished the Congress success in reuniting and leading the country toward prosperity while protecting Nepal’s democratic system.
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