Kathmandu
Former Nepal Prime Minister and Nepali Congress leader Sher Bahadur Deuba returned to Nepal on Thursday after spending months abroad for medical treatment, receiving a grand welcome from supporters at Tribhuvan International Airport.
Deuba had been outside the country following injuries sustained during the Gen-Z protests. He initially travelled to Singapore for medical treatment and later visited Hong Kong and Singapore for further care. His return marks his first arrival in Nepal after several months away from the country.
Supporters of the faction of the Nepali Congress associated with Deuba organised a special welcome at the airport. Musical performances and cultural programmes were arranged as party workers gathered to greet the veteran leader. Deuba is expected to participate in a national gathering of his faction scheduled for Friday in Kathmandu.
Deuba and his wife, Arzu Rana Deuba, were injured when protesters attacked their residence during the Gen-Z-led unrest. The protests, which began in September 2025 amid anger over corruption, governance and restrictions on social media, developed into a major political crisis in Nepal. Deuba subsequently remained abroad while undergoing treatment.
His return also comes at a significant time for the Nepali Congress, which remains divided over its leadership and organisational direction. Deuba’s supporters have challenged the legitimacy of the party leadership that emerged from a Special General Convention and are pursuing legal avenues to contest the arrangement. The Supreme Court recently allowed a review petition concerning its earlier decision, raising hopes among Deuba’s camp.
Deuba is expected to play a prominent role in his faction’s upcoming political gathering. His return could strengthen efforts by his supporters to regain political influence and shape the future leadership of the Nepali Congress.
