Nepali Congress chief Deuba leaves for New Delhi

Newly-elected Nepali Congress (NC) president Sher Bahadur Deuba left for New Delhi on Monday for a week-long visit.

The purpose of Deuba's visit -- his first since the promulgation of the new constitution in September last year -- is ostensibly due to his wife and NC lawmaker Arzu Rana Deuba's treatment at a hospital in Gurgaon, according to an aide.

"It is not a political visit," said Bimalendra Nidhi, a close aide of Deuba.

"He is visiting New Delhi to look after his wife, who is undergoing a major hip transplant surgery at Fortis Hospital, Gurgaon."

"There is no pre-scheduled meetings with any Indian leader," Nidhi added.

Deuba will return home on April 24.

Deuba, 69, was elected NC president in March at the party's 13th National General Convention, succeeding late prime minister Sushil Koirala. He is the eight president of the NC.

He served as prime minister from 1995 to 1997, from 2001 to 2002, and from 2004 to 2005.

He had earlier visited India in October 2015 and met Modi and other senior political leaders.

Ahead of his visit, Deuba on Sunday met agitating Madhesi leaders at his residence here and discussed their demands and agenda.

"Deuba held talks with the Madhesi leaders," said Nidhi, adding that they appreciated the lead taken by the NC president and agreed to hold talks in future also.

During the meeting, Deuba said the Nepali Congress was positive towards fulfilling the unfulfilled demands of the Madhesis.