Khadka Appointed Acting President of Nepali Congress

Purna Bahadur Khadka has been appointed acting president of the Nepali Congress (NC), the largest party in the recently dissolved House of Representatives.

NC President Sher Bahadur Deuba made the appointment during a Central Working Committee meeting held Tuesday, October 14, at the party’s central office in Sanepa, citing his ongoing health issues.

Deuba and his wife, Arzu Rana, the former foreign minister, were assaulted by Gen Z protesters at their Budhanilkantha residence on September 9. Tuesday marked their first public appearance since the attack, following their rescue by the army and subsequent medical treatment.

Khadka, a former General Secretary of the party, has served in several key government positions, including twice as Home Minister, twice as Minister for Youth and Sports, and as Minister for Communications and Minister for Industry and Commerce.

The meeting concluded shortly after Deuba’s address. The next session is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 16.

Under the party statute, Deuba is ineligible to contest the upcoming 15th General Convention. 

Reflecting on his political career, Deuba highlighted his experience as prime minister, noting that although he served five terms, each tenure was relatively brief.