The demise of Nepali Congress (NC) leader Sushil Koirala has shocked the entire nation. He left a legacy of the reclamation by the NC of the position of the country’s largest party that had been taken away by the UCPN (Maoist) during the first election to the Constituent Assembly and the promulgation of a long-awaited new constitution. With Koirala gone, the party is finding it difficult to sketch a future roadmap. The two camps in the NC, one led by the late Koirala and the other by prominent leader Sher Bahadur Deuba (often referred to as 60:40 reflecting the proportion of their hold within the party) have been trying hard to outshine each other during the upcoming general convention.

The NC had split into two factions following a dispute between the then party chairman Girija Prasad Koirala and the then Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba over continuing the emergency. Subsequently, Deuba formed the Nepali Congress (Democratic) in 2002. The two parties came together five years later, but the spirit remained divided. NC leader Prakash Sharan Mahat once said that the Deuba faction was often called “Tantrik”, short for “Loktantrik” (Democratic), which hurts the sentiments of the cadres and prevents the party from uniting by heart. 

A golden opportunity

For a party that boasts that promoting democracy is its core belief, the time has come to turn this hour of sorrow into strength. Koirala’s demise has created a void in the NC. But he has also left an opportunity for the party to unite for good. The NC’s 13th General Convention is scheduled to be held in March. Deuba is the only one who has announced his candidacy for the presidency so far. The only other aspirant to the party’s top post seems to be acting president Ram Chandra Poudel, who has been hinting at the possibility of being a candidate. If Poudel announces his candidacy, he will be representing the establishment faction. Many other leaders too have been weighing their chances. 

Poudel’s candidacy will be based on the support of Shekhar Koirala, Shashank Koirala and Sujata Koirala who do not have a significant political background. Hence, his victory will mean continuing the celebration of the Koirala clan in the NC. In such a scenario, the party should be able to come up with a consensus candidate. Electing the party president through consensus will not be just choosing a new leader; it will also be mending fences and ending the longstanding rift. This is a golden opportunity for the most democratic party of the country to stand as a united force. 

The logical candidate

Since Deuba has already filed his candidacy and seems to be in no mood to withdraw, the best option for the NC would be to elect him as the party president as a consensus decision. This will help to end the 60:40 game within the party. Likewise, three-time Prime Minister Deuba has always desired to lead the country’s largest democratic force. Given his contribution, achievement, long-time association and seniority, he seems to be an acceptable and capable leader for the Congress. In addition, Deuba has always been touted as one of the eligible inheritors of the NC. Party ideologue BP Koirala had appointed Deuba as the president of the Nepal Students’ Union (NSU). Deuba successfully led the NSU for four terms. Subsequently, BP Koirala nominated Deuba as a central committee member of the NC and the commander of the Far Western Region. 

After the restoration of democracy in the country in 1990, Girija Prasad Koirala asked Deuba to cut short his studies overseas and return to Nepal. Subsequently, he was named the home minister. The great belief shown by the two iconic NC leaders in Deuba is testimony to his calibre. If there is anyone in the Congress who can fill the shoes of BP and GP Koirala, it would be Deuba. The NC today lacks a towering personality to lead it. And Deuba seems to be the best candidate to fill this void.

Deuba’s “Kadamjam” (Karnali, Dalit, Women, Janajati and Madhesi) initiative, under which the NC has been selecting representatives to the general convention since its 11th edition, is another move which proves his capable leadership. Based on this very concept, the party has been witnessing inclusiveness. Kadamjam has been instrumental in nurturing youth leadership. The concept of inclusive representation in the party can also provide a solid base for integrating the country that is in the midst of political tension due to calls for identity-based representation. 

Likewise, Deuba’s election to the NC’s top post will also mark a shift in leadership from the Koirala clan in the country’s oldest political party. The NC should hand over the leadership based on capability rather than family name. The end of the Koirala clan in the party will also help nurture leadership skills more democratically. The NC should end the 60:40 game at the upcoming convention at any cost. The promotion of factions has led to a tendency to support one’s candidate over a competent candidate. If this continues, the party might suffer a severe leadership crisis in the days to come. The Congress has already felt the repercussions of factions within the party, and there should be no space for factions after the 13th General Convention. 

Joshi is a leader of the Nepal Students’ Union