Sher Bahadur Deuba Bows Out: A Look at the End of an Era in Nepali Politics

Sher Bahadur Deuba's Political Departure

In a significant political shift, former Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba of Nepal has announced that he will not participate in the upcoming House of Representatives elections set for March 5. This decision was confirmed by Bhanu Deuba, his chief personal secretary, via social media.

This announcement signifies the conclusion of a remarkable 34-year political career that began with Deuba's election from the Dadeldhura district in the 1991 parliamentary elections.

Recent political challenges have compelled Deuba to abandon his aspirations of returning to the Prime Minister's office, especially since he is already restricted by party rules from seeking another term as party president.

Had the coalition agreement between the Nepali Congress (NC) and the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist) been realized, Deuba might have had a chance to serve as Prime Minister for the sixth time. The agreement proposed a rotational leadership between Deuba and K P Sharma Oli until the next parliamentary elections, which are expected in 2027. However, the Gen-Z movement's uprising last September led to the collapse of the Oli-led government, thwarting Deuba's ambitions.

In January, the Nepali Congress elected new leadership under Gagan Thapa, further complicating Deuba's political standing. The Election Commission's recognition of Thapa's leadership left Deuba's faction in a precarious position, with the Supreme Court being their last hope for restoring his leadership. As Deuba's loyalists shifted allegiance to Thapa, his secretariat announced his decision to withdraw from the elections.

The Thapa-led committee has nominated Nain Singh Mahar, a Deuba supporter, from the constituency Deuba has represented for over three decades, indicating Thapa's intent to include Deuba's supporters while distributing candidacy tickets.

Deuba's attempt to maintain his influence within the party has seemingly reached its conclusion. His choice to step back from the elections may also prevent a split within the Nepali Congress.

Since the restoration of democracy in 1990, Deuba has been a consistent member of the House of Representatives, serving as Prime Minister five times, with his first term beginning in 1995 and subsequent terms in 2001, 2004, 2017, and 2021.

Having been elected seven times and serving five terms as Prime Minister, Deuba's retreat comes at a time when the new leadership under Thapa is reluctant to grant him a candidacy ticket, despite accommodating many of his loyalists to maintain party unity.

With his decision not to contest the elections, Deuba's path to regaining power through electoral means has come to a definitive end.

Deuba's exit from national politics marks the conclusion of a significant chapter for a leader who, alongside K P Sharma Oli and Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’, has been a key figure in Nepal's political arena for decades.

As the Gen-Z movement continues to pressure the top leaders of major political parties to step aside, Deuba's inability to maintain relevance within his party amid Thapa's internal revolt has been evident.

While Oli has retained control of his party after being re-elected as chairperson, Prachanda is consolidating his position through alliances with smaller leftist factions. His party has recently undergone a name change following the merger of several leftist parties.

The pressing question remains whether voters will continue to support leaders who have dominated national politics for so long in light of the Gen-Z movement.