Congress Deuba Faction Adopts ‘Wait and See’ Strategy After Supreme Court Validates Gagan Thapa Leadership
Summary: Following the Supreme Court’s decision to legitimize Gagan Thapa’s leadership, the Deuba faction of the Congress Party has chosen to adopt a ‘wait and see’ strategy for a few days. The Deuba camp convened a meeting of former central members, deciding to accept the court order while continuing the political struggle. Discussions between the two factions within Congress are ongoing, with a decision to allow some time to formulate the next steps.
Kathmandu, Baisakh 6 – After the Supreme Court granted legal recognition to Gagan Thapa’s leadership, Sher Bahadur Deuba’s faction within the Congress Party took a defensive stance, adopting a multi-day ‘wait and observe’ approach. Following intensive discussions over Saturday and Sunday, the party leadership concluded that they would carefully observe the role the party will assume, subsequently determining their strategy. The establishment faction has reviewed the possibility that if the Deuba group is not treated respectfully, they may seek alternative options.
After Friday’s court order, the Deuba faction held persistent discussions and organized a meeting of former central members today. On Saturday, under the leadership of former acting president Purna Bahadur Khadka, top leaders of the Deuba group gathered, followed by today’s meeting where former central members expressed their views. These members strongly voiced their opposition to the special general convention, led by four senior leaders—Khadka, Bimalendra Nidhi, Krishna Prasad Sitaula, and Prakashman Singh.
Some leaders aligned with Dr. Shekhar Koirala did not participate in the Deuba faction’s discussions. Former General Secretary Dr. Shashank Koirala was also absent from today’s meeting. Approximately three dozen former central members took part in the discussions, while Shekhar Koirala’s faction held a separate meeting on Sunday morning. Koirala’s faction decided to accept the court ruling, reflecting their past role as mediators. Commenting on the situation, Koirala-aligned leader Jeevan Pariyar emphasized, ‘There is a shared responsibility among all to build broader interests, unity, and a stronger organization within the Congress. The Central Working Committee and the party president bear even greater responsibility. In difficult times, all members must be responsible and committed from their positions.’
According to leaders from the Deuba faction, this series of meetings will continue systematically. Former central member Guru Baral informed that meetings began on Saturday and will proceed in a series until collective decisions are reached. However, the date for the next meeting has not yet been set. Despite accepting the court order during discussions on Saturday and Sunday, participating leaders expressed reservations about its interpretation. The court had previously endorsed the leadership selected through the special general convention.
Following the court’s ruling, former acting president Khadka convened meetings of the faction yesterday and today to develop strategy. Speaking at Sunday’s meeting, former central member Baral stated, ‘We accept the court’s decision, but the political struggle will continue.’ Though the immediate possibility of forming a new party is limited, suggestions have been made to prepare for that option. Should Gagan Thapa’s faction adopt a plan to avoid pressure, participating leaders believe preparations for alternatives must be considered.
Veer Bahadur Balayar, president from Far-Western Province, commented, ‘Whether unity will be achieved or not is not entirely in our hands. The responsibility to advance inclusively lies with the leadership that the court has recognized. There are lifelong veteran leaders here, and how this faction is treated is the responsibility of the court-recognized leadership.’