KATHMANDU, July 21: Former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba has announced that he is returning to Nepal after months abroad for medical treatment, saying the country needs cooperation and national unity rather than the politics of retaliation.
In a two-page message issued on the occasion of the memorial day of BP Koirala, Deuba, the immediate past president of the Nepali Congress (NC), called for national dialogue and cooperation, while accusing the government of pursuing a vindictive agenda and attempting to intimidate the opposition by exerting pressure on democratic institutions.
"What the country needs is not retaliation but cooperation. Therefore, the need for unity of purpose, national dialogue and collective collaboration between the experience gained from history, the energy of change, and the creative potential of the new generation equipped with technology and knowledge is more relevant today than ever before," Deuba said.
Governance in Social transformations in Nepal
Saying he is returning home with that conviction, Deuba stressed that the current situation demands "a broader vision, deeper cooperation and a stronger national resolve." He warned that the government could become "vindictive and undemocratic," but said he had complete faith in the democratic consciousness, patriotism and commitment to justice of the Nepali people.
Deuba alleged that there were growing signs of pressure on the independent judiciary, constitutional bodies and other democratic institutions, claiming the executive was attempting to use state power to intimidate political opponents. "In such circumstances, the responsibility of the NC extends beyond merely serving as the opposition," he said. "The party also has a historic duty to defend democracy, the Constitution, national sovereignty and the rights of citizens."
Stressing that there is no alternative to democracy, Deuba said respect for the people's sovereign rights and electoral mandate must remain the foundation of the country's future. He warned that any weakening of democratic institutions would also endanger national unity, independence and sovereignty.
Recalling BP Koirala's political legacy, Deuba said the late leader's ideals of national reconciliation, democracy, socialism and national unity remain as relevant today as ever. He described beginning his political career under Koirala's leadership as the greatest privilege of his life, saying the trust, responsibility and democratic values instilled by Koirala had guided his political journey.
He also highlighted the NC's role in Nepal's democratic movements, the peace process, constitution drafting, post-earthquake reconstruction and the COVID-19 response. Deuba reaffirmed the party's commitment to democracy, nationalism, social justice, inclusion and constitutional values.
Calling on political parties, civil society, youth and the public to unite in safeguarding democratic principles, Deuba said that although he had been abroad for treatment in recent months, his attention had remained focused on Nepal, its people and its democratic future. He added that he had been closely following political developments and said intolerance of dissent, misuse of state power and politically motivated repression have no place in a democratic society.
Deuba traveled to Hong Kong on March 20 for further medical treatment after first flying to Singapore on February 25 and has remained abroad since then.
