Nepali Congress Leaders Set Aside Differences for the Greater Good

Kathmandu, Nepal, January 19, 2026: With only days remaining before the Wednesday deadline for candidate filings, the uncertainty hanging over the Nepali Congress (NC) is finally clearing. As the March 5 general elections loom, the fierce rivalry between veteran leader Sher Bahadur Deuba and the newly elected Gagan Thapa has transformed into a pragmatic partnership, driven by the need for party survival.

 

Behind closed doors, the focus has shifted from legal battles to a shared legacy. Sources close to both camps indicate a realization that victory at the polls requires unity rather than courtroom disputes. In a significant gesture of trust, the Deuba faction has signaled they will allow President Thapa to sign the official candidacy papers.

 

These moves honor the mandate of the Special General Convention and ensure that the candidate selection process remains a collaborative effort, involving senior leader Shekhar Koirala to maintain broad internal support.

 

The most tangible sign of this reconciliation is the decision to move away from the Supreme Court. The Deuba camp, which had initially challenged the legitimacy of the new leadership, is now preparing to withdraw its writ petition. By trading litigation for the campaign trail, the NC is signaling to voters that it is ready to stop fighting and start fighting for the country.