Country could head toward crisis if election is not held on March 5: Gagan Thapa

KATHMANDU: Nepali Congress General Secretary Gagan Thapa has said that holding the election on March 5 is the only way to steer the country out of its current sensitive situation.

Speaking at a program in Pokhara, Thapa warned that choosing any alternative path instead of conducting the election on the scheduled date could cause irreparable damage to the country.

Referring to past events, Thapa said that when KP Sharma Oli became prime minister after the Maoists and UML united to form the Nepal Communist Party and later dissolved the House of Representatives, going to elections at that time might have benefited his party.

However, he said the Nepali Congress did not support early elections because elections held before time disrupt the democratic cycle.

“This time, necessity itself has shown that we must go to elections. If we do not participate in the March 5 election, the country will head toward an accident,” Thapa said, adding that the government must hold intensive dialogue with political parties to ensure a safe and conducive environment for the polls.

Thapa also said the Nepali Congress bears a responsibility to protect the nation, even if it has to endure political losses itself.

“Other parties may have the freedom to adopt various methods to win elections, but the Congress does not have that luxury. A national party is not just for elections. The Congress is not merely a party; it is a national force with a guardian-like responsibility,” he said. “The Congress must be willing to bear wounds itself but not allow the nation to be harmed. Learning from history and understanding the pressure of time, the party must think broadly and responsibly.”

He added that it is the government’s duty to address doubts through dialogue with political parties and that all parties should play a neutral and cooperative role to ensure the success of the election.

Thapa also referred to incidents that occurred on September 8 and 9, saying they were driven by emotion and provocation, and that certain interest groups were also involved in planned activities.

He expressed confidence that the state-formed investigation commission would conduct a fair, impartial, and credible probe that would be acceptable to all.