Deuba faction to accept Supreme Court verdict on NC leadership dispute

Kathmandu, April 18: The Sher Bahadur Deuba faction of the Nepali Congress has decided to accept the Supreme Court verdict issued on Friday regarding the party’s leadership dispute.

The Supreme Court of Nepal had recognized the special general convention held in the second week of January and validated the leadership led by Gagan Kumar Thapa, dismissing the writ petition filed by former party president Sher Bahadur Deuba and acting president Purna Bahadur Khadka.

A meeting of the Deuba faction held on Saturday, chaired by Khadka, decided to move ahead by accepting the court’s decision despite internal reservations, according to leader Min Bahadur Bishwakarma.

Bishwakarma said it is now the responsibility of party president Thapa to lead the party in a united manner and strengthen its organisational structure.

However, leader Prakash Sharan Mahat said that although the legal dispute has been resolved, political challenges remain. He stressed the need for unity and suggested that leaders elected from the special convention should take the initiative for reconciliation.

He also said party leaders present in the meeting discussed forming a joint mechanism involving both factions to help prepare for the 15th general convention.

The court verdict has formally upheld the Election Commission’s decision and ended the legal challenge over the party’s internal leadership structure.