Sher Bahadur Deuba Withdraws From Parliamentary Election

20th January 2026, Kathmandu

In a major political development on January 20, 2026, Sher Bahadur Deuba, the five-time former Prime Minister and longtime leader of the Nepali Congress, officially confirmed that he will not contest the upcoming House of Representatives election scheduled for March 5, 2026 (Falgun 21, 2082). The decision was formally communicated by his personal secretariat on Tuesday, just as the Election Commission opened the official nomination process for the 165 first-past-the-post constituencies.

Sher Bahadur Deuba Withdraws

This withdrawal marks an unexpected “political pause” for a leader who has represented the parliament continuously since 1991. The decision came at a time of significant internal turmoil within the Nepali Congress, which recently saw a splintering of factions and a change in leadership following the “Gen Z” protests that reshaped the political landscape of Nepal in late 2025.

The Decision: Timing and Context

The timing of the announcement—right before the official nomination period—has generated significant attention across the political landscape of Nepal. Deuba is a veteran leader whose experience has long influenced both his party and national policy. Having served as Prime Minister during various critical junctures of the history of the country, his absence from the ballot leaves a notable gap in the contest, particularly for the Nepali Congress as it enters a new era under the leadership of Gagan Thapa.

Reports from the Kathmandu Post and other major outlets indicate that Deuba had initially hoped to contest the elections one last time from his home district, Dadeldhura. However, following the recognition of the Gagan Thapa-led faction as the legitimate Nepali Congress by the Election Commission on January 16, 2026, Deuba faced intense pressure to pave the way for a generational transfer of power. Around midnight on Monday, after prolonged discussions regarding ticket distribution, Deuba announced he would not run to avoid the potential friction of being denied a ticket by the new working committee.

Impact on Dadeldhura and Candidate Realignments

The withdrawal of Sher Bahadur Deuba reshapes the electoral landscape of Dadeldhura, his longtime fortress. Since 1991, Deuba had been the sole face of the constituency, winning seven consecutive elections. With his exit, the Nepali Congress has awarded the Dadeldhura ticket to Nain Singh Mahar, a former president of the Nepal Student Union.

This shift creates a massive opportunity for challengers. Sagar Dhakal, who ran as an independent in 2022 and garnered over 13,000 votes, is now contesting again under the banner of the Rastriya Swatantra Party. Without the presence of a political titan like Deuba, the race in Dadeldhura is expected to be one of the most unpredictable and closely watched contests in the Sudurpashchim Province.

A Veteran Leader Steps Back: Legacy and Party Role

While Deuba is stepping back from direct electoral competition, his role within the Nepali Congress remains a point of discussion. Although the Election Commission recognized the Thapa-led faction, Deuba still commands significant loyalty among the “establishment” camp. His decision to abstain from the race reflects a focus on mentoring the next generation of leaders rather than pursuing personal electoral ambitions.

Key highlights of his career include:

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Five terms as Prime Minister: (1995-1997, 2001-2002, 2004-2005, 2017-2018, and 2021-2022).

Longest-serving MP from Dadeldhura: Represented the district for over 30 years.

Negotiation of the Mahakali Treaty: A landmark in the foreign policy history of Nepal.

Leadership during the 2015 Constitution Promulgation and 2017 Elections.

His withdrawal is seen by many analysts as the end of an era in Nepali politics. It signals that the demands of the “Gen Z” movement for “generational change” (Pustaantaran) have successfully penetrated even the most senior levels of the grand old party.

Political Impact on the Nepali Congress Strategy

The absence of Deuba from the campaign trail as a candidate allows the Nepali Congress to reposition itself as a reform-driven party. Under the leadership of President Gagan Thapa and Vice-President Bishwa Prakash Sharma, the party is attempting to shed its image of being led by an “old guard.”

However, the withdrawal also presents risks. Deuba’s ability to mobilize traditional voters and manage internal party discipline was a cornerstone of the electoral success of the Congress for decades. The party must now find a way to maintain unity between the Deuba loyalists and the new leadership to prevent a further splintering of votes in the 165 constituencies.

Conclusion

The announcement that Sher Bahadur Deuba withdraws from the upcoming parliamentary elections marks a definitive turning point in the modern history of Nepal. As the Nepali Congress and other major parties like the CPN-UML and Rastriya Swatantra Party prepare for the March 5 polls, the exit of such a veteran figure reshapes the competition and highlights the ongoing evolution of political leadership. While the political career of Deuba in the parliament may be ending, his legacy will continue to influence the democratic discourse of the nation for years to come.

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