KATHMANDU: Former Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba has announced that he will return to Nepal, urging all democratic forces to unite in defense of democracy, the Constitution, and the country’s national interests.
In a message issued on the occasion of the memorial day of the late democratic leader B.P. Koirala, Deuba expressed deep concern over recent political developments, warning against what he described as the growing politics of revenge and intolerance in the country.
Paying tribute to Koirala, Deuba said the former prime minister’s principles of nationalism, democracy, socialism, and national reconciliation continue to guide his political journey. He described beginning his political career under Koirala’s leadership as the greatest privilege of his life and reaffirmed that his commitment to democratic values and people’s rights has remained unwavering.
Reflecting on more than six decades in politics—from an ordinary Nepali Congress worker to the party’s top leadership—Deuba said he had consistently fought against authoritarianism, dictatorship, and anti-democratic forces, standing firmly for democracy despite imprisonment, political repression, and state restrictions.
He also highlighted the Nepali Congress’ historic role in leading democratic movements, advancing the peace process, drafting the Constitution, rebuilding the country after the 2015 earthquake, and responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Deuba said that although he has spent the past several months abroad with his family for medical treatment, his attention has remained focused on Nepal, its people, democracy, and the nation’s broader interests.
Commenting on the current political situation, Deuba criticized what he called increasing intolerance toward dissent, the retaliatory use of state power, politically motivated suppression, and attempts to silence the opposition, describing such trends as unacceptable in a democratic society. He said opposing such practices is the Nepali Congress’ historic responsibility.
He further accused the government of pursuing “politics of revenge” against the opposition and alleged that there are signs of pressure being exerted on the independent judiciary, constitutional bodies, and democratic institutions. Deuba also claimed there were attempts to use the judiciary and the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) under executive influence to intimidate political opponents.
Stressing that Nepal now needs unity instead of division, trust instead of mistrust, and cooperation instead of retaliation, Deuba called for national dialogue and collective collaboration.
Concluding his message, Deuba appealed to all political parties, civil society, the younger generation, and the Nepali people to stand firmly for democracy, nationalism, socialism, constitutionalism, and the rule of law, while announcing that he is preparing to return to Nepal.
