KATHMANDU: Nepali Congress General Secretary Gagan Thapa has provided clarification regarding the party’s demand for an immediate convention, stressing that it is not just about leadership change, but a response to national concerns.
Through a post on Facebook, Thapa explained that the issue of the convention was raised in connection with the growing concerns about the country’s political situation. He pointed out that movements, not just by the Gen-Z generation but across all age groups, were sparked by widespread dissatisfaction with issues like corruption, nepotism, and patronage.
“Wasn’t there widespread dissatisfaction expressed on September 8 and 9 against corruption, nepotism, and patronage, not just from the Gen-Z movement, but from all age groups? Isn’t it true that we, too, were criticized as part of the reason for these issues?” Thapa questioned, addressing those in the party who are against an immediate convention.
He expressed deep concern that, for the first time in Nepal’s history, a movement had been directed not only against the ruling party but also against Nepali Congress leadership itself. “For the first time, not only was there a movement against Nepali Congress leadership, but it was also against us. Can we forget this and move forward?” Thapa asked, reflecting on the growing dissatisfaction within the country.
Thapa further pointed out that the Nepali Congress, once the largest and ruling party, now finds itself without power and facing protests on the streets. “We were in power, the first party in the country. Today, we are neither the first party nor in power. We’ve reached the streets. Are we still not going to review ourselves?” he asked, urging for introspection.
He called on party leaders and activists to actively participate in the discussion about the convention, emphasizing that it is essential for the future of the party. “Based on this, we need to acknowledge where we made mistakes, and commit to correcting them moving forward. Can we go ahead without holding a convention?” Thapa concluded, reinforcing the need for action and accountability.
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