The rising Generation-Z movement has triggered a significant political shift in Nepal, compelling former Prime Minister and Nepal Congress President Sher Bahadur Deuba to take an extended break from active politics. Deuba has named senior leader Purna Bahadur Kharga as the acting president of the Nepal Congress, delegating all major party decisions to him. Kharga, who previously served as the party’s vice president, will now lead the party amidst changing political dynamics.

According to Kantipur Media, Deuba arrived at the Congress headquarters on October 14 with his wife and announced plans to convene a party convention soon, where fresh elections for the Congress national president will be held.

Deuba’s Departure and Congress Leadership Transition

Deuba proposed Kharga’s appointment following the political turmoil caused by KP Sharma Oli’s coup. General elections in Nepal are slated for February 2026, with the Congress currently the largest party in the country.

Known as Nepal's strongest leader, Deuba has served as Prime Minister five times, navigating his tenure alongside influential leaders like Girija Prasad Koirala and Krishna Bhattarai. Despite eyeing another term, the Gen-Z movement dealt a heavy blow to his political standing, sparking debates within the Congress about his age and leadership. This ultimately led Deuba to take a step back from politics.

Deuba remarked to reporters, “No family has one head forever. Similarly, a party cannot have one person as president forever. I will call a general convention and hand over the presidency to someone else. Until then, I am going to rest.”

Potential Successors for Congress Presidency

With Deuba sidelined, the primary candidates for the Congress presidency include Purna Bahadur Kharga, who has held key positions including the Home Affairs portfolio, and has Deuba’s backing. Kharga, currently 69 years old, partnered with Deuba during the 2022 elections, suggesting the faction’s support.

Another prominent contender is Party General Secretary Gagan Thapa, backed by powerful leader Shekhar Koirala and popular among the Gen-Z movement and younger Congress workers. Other possible candidates are senior leaders Krishna Prasad Sitaula and Vimalendra Nidhi, all emerging voices in the race for the party’s top post.

This leadership transition marks a new chapter for the Nepal Congress amid the momentum generated by the younger generation’s political awakening.