KATHMANDU: Nepali Congress General Secretary Gagan Kumar Thapa has expressed strong dissatisfaction with Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s leadership, stating that despite support from within a working mechanism, the government has failed to deliver as per public expectations.
Speaking at the second provincial conference of Constituency 2 in Kathmandu on Thursday, Thapa said that while the government appears active, it has not been able to produce meaningful results because the top leadership remains unmotivated.
“We hoped the government would work 18 to 20 hours a day to address people’s concerns. But if the pot (the PM) doesn’t boil, there’s no use heating the stove,” he remarked, referring to Oli.
Thapa added that he is personally willing to work long hours and urged others in government to do the same. “I am in a responsible position within the mechanism, but unless the one at the top acts, nothing changes. I’m ready to work 18–20 hours a day. Those in government must do the same.”
Drawing from his own experience as a former health minister, Thapa emphasized that ministers should be fully committed to their responsibilities.
“When I was the health minister, I saw nothing beyond health. That was my job. Now, based on my experience, I’ve been advising the Prime Minister and other ministers that we need quick results.”
He acknowledged that the government has made some legal reforms based on ideas proposed by the Congress, especially through ordinances, in response to the economic crisis.
“There’s pressure on the economy. Banks have money, but no one is borrowing. We have plenty of foreign currency, but we’re not using it effectively. The government is unable to spend the treasury funds.”
Thapa stressed the need for an investment-friendly environment to revive the economy.
“We must create an atmosphere for business and investment. That requires legal reforms, and those were Congress ideas the government implemented.”
In recent days, Thapa has become increasingly vocal about his dissatisfaction with the Oli-led administration. Speaking at party events in Rupandehi and Gulmi, he criticized the government for prioritizing inaugurations and tours over real work.
On Wednesday, he had again used the same metaphor, saying, “The stove alone getting hot is meaningless if the pot doesn’t heat up.”
He also blamed the government’s inefficiency for the recent teacher protests. “It’s because the government failed to act responsibly and promptly that teachers are now on the streets. Their demands are legitimate and should be addressed urgently so they can return to classrooms.”
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