KATHMANDU: Former Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba has announced that he is returning to Nepal, saying the country needs united efforts to safeguard democracy, the Constitution and national interests.
In a message issued on the occasion of the memorial day of BP Koirala on Tuesday, Deuba expressed concern over recent political developments and called on democratic forces to unite against what he described as politics of retaliation.
Paying tribute to BP Koirala, Deuba said the late leader’s ideals of nationalism, democracy, socialism and reconciliation continue to guide his political journey.
He said it had been the greatest privilege of his life to begin his political career under Koirala’s leadership and reaffirmed his long-standing commitment to democratic values and the rights of the people.
Recalling more than six decades in politics, from being an ordinary party worker to leading the Nepali Congress, Deuba said he had consistently fought against authoritarianism and anti-democratic forces despite imprisonment, political repression and restrictions.
He also highlighted the Nepali Congress’s role in leading democratic movements, contributing to the peace process, drafting the Constitution, post-earthquake reconstruction and responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Although he has spent the past several months abroad with his family for medical treatment, Deuba said his attention has remained focused on Nepal, its people, democracy and national interests.
Commenting on the current political situation, Deuba said growing intolerance toward differing opinions, the retaliatory use of state power, politically motivated repression and attempts to suppress the opposition are unacceptable in a democratic society.
He alleged that the government has pursued retaliatory politics against the opposition and warned of increasing pressure on the judiciary, constitutional bodies and other democratic institutions.
Deuba also claimed there were attempts to intimidate opposition parties by bringing the judiciary and the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority under executive influence.
Stressing that Nepal now needs unity rather than division, trust rather than mistrust, and cooperation rather than retaliation, Deuba called for national dialogue and broader political collaboration.
He urged political parties, civil society, youth and the general public to stand firmly in support of democracy, nationalism, socialism and constitutionalism, adding that he is returning to Nepal to contribute to that effort.
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