KATHMANDU: Former Prime Minister and former Nepali Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba will participate in the national gathering of the party’s dissident faction scheduled to be held from August 14 to 16.
The anti-establishment faction has become increasingly encouraged after the Supreme Court granted permission for a review of its full verdict concerning the dispute over the party’s special convention. A recent court order issued on Wednesday stated that the national gathering planned for the end of August would not be obstructed.
Addressing a press conference at the faction’s contact office in Chundevi on Friday, organizing committee coordinator Dr. Shashanka Koirala confirmed Deuba’s participation and outlined the objectives of the event.
Welcoming the court’s decision, Koirala expressed confidence that the party would ultimately receive justice through the ongoing judicial process. He said the latest Supreme Court order would not alter the gathering’s direction; instead, it had generated greater enthusiasm among party cadres.
“In the current political situation of the country, this gathering will prove to be a milestone in ideologically and organizationally uniting the party,” Koirala said. “Initially, we expected participation of around 10,000 to 20,000 people, but after the court’s decision, a positive message has spread throughout the party ranks, and we now expect a significantly larger turnout.”
Koirala also clarified that senior leader Purna Bahadur Khadka was unable to attend due to health issues, while Dr. Shekhar Koirala was occupied with personal work in Biratnagar. However, he emphasized that both leaders fully support and stand in solidarity with the campaign.
Responding to concerns surrounding Deuba’s return to Nepal on August 11, Koirala said there was no possibility of any form of detention or harassment. He warned that if such actions were attempted, the party would strongly protest.
Koirala called on the Nepali Congress’s sister organizations, well-wishers, and all party workers to participate in the gathering. He said the movement aims to revitalize the party on the principles of nationalism, democracy, and socialism.
