KATHMANDU: A faction of the Nepali Congress led by Sher Bahadur Deuba has demanded the immediate release of former prime minister KP Sharma Oli and former home minister Ramesh Lekhak, objecting to their arrest.
In a statement issued on Saturday in the name of acting party president Purna Bahadur Khadka, the faction said both leaders should be released without delay.
The Deuba-aligned group accused the government of arresting the two leaders out of political vendetta and keeping them in unlawful detention. It condemned the move, saying it goes against the Constitution and existing laws.
Khadka also said that the action reportedly taken based on the recommendations of the commission led by Gauri Bahadur Karki, which was formed by the government led by Sushila Karki, raises serious constitutional and legal questions.
According to the statement, although the commission recommended investigation and prosecution, the immediate arrest without completing the necessary legal procedures contradicts the principles of the rule of law.
The faction further claimed the commission’s report appeared biased, stating that while it was expected to investigate the incidents of both September 8 and 9, 2025, it remained silent on the human and material losses that occurred on September 9, 2025.
It concluded that such a step taken immediately after the formation of the government led by Balen Shah raises doubts about its commitment to the Constitution and democratic values.
The Congress faction also said it would oppose the move through constitutional, legal and political means and urged party cadres across the country to remain prepared to face possible developments.
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