KATHMANDU: Khabarhub brings you a glimpse of major developments of the day in Nepal, including politics, business/economy, sports, entertainment, and more.
NC 15th General Convention begins in Kathmandu
The Nepali Congress’ 15th General Convention has begun at Khulamanch in Tundikhel, Kathmandu, with around 7,500 representatives participating in the party’s largest gathering of its kind. Party President Gagan Kumar Thapa inaugurated the convention amid the participation of senior Nepali Congress leaders and representatives from across the country and abroad. The convention will hold its closed sessions over the next two days, while elections for the party’s new leadership are scheduled for October 7 and 8. The party has formed 15 committees to oversee various aspects of the convention. Separate halls have been prepared at Khulamanch for the closed sessions, along with a media centre and a primary healthcare unit.
Changed Nepali Congress can change the country too: Gagan Thapa
Nepali Congress President Gagan Kumar Thapa has said the party should leave its 15th General Convention with renewed energy and a commitment to change the country, with the belief that a transformed Nepali Congress can transform the country as well. Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the party’s 15th General Convention, Thapa said the event should not be limited to selecting new leadership but should also be an opportunity for a serious review of the party’s past, present and future direction. He said the Nepali Congress must transform itself and move forward in line with public expectations and the country’s needs. “We have to leave this General Convention with the belief that a changed Nepali Congress can change the country too. We have to make this convention successful and leave with renewed energy,” Thapa said. He said it was difficult to hold the General Convention simply as a celebration given the country’s recent situation. Recalling the loss of thousands of lives in the Rasuwa floods and landslides and the suffering of many families, Thapa said he did not want to hold the convention under such circumstances.
Prachanda tells Gagan Thapa to move towards leading the country
NCP Coordinator Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has said Nepali Congress President Gagan Kumar Thapa has broken with the party’s traditional leadership pattern, opening the door to a new history and possibilities. Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the Nepali Congress’ 15th General Convention, Prachanda praised Thapa’s leadership abilities and urged him to move forward towards leading not only the party but also the country. “Congratulations to Gagan ji. Gagan ji has the ability to lead,” Prachanda said, recalling that Thapa had served as health minister during his tenure as prime minister. “I had said that he could eventually reach a position where he could lead the country. I am seeing that today. You have broken the pattern of continuity and taken the leadership of the party. Now, move forward on the path towards leading the country. We are ready to support you.”
Musical chairs-style politics has increased public disillusionment, says Gagan Thapa
Nepali Congress President Gagan Kumar Thapa has said the “musical chairs” style of politics, in which the same faces repeatedly occupy positions of power and leadership, has intensified public dissatisfaction and contributed to the situation that emerged on September 8 and 9. Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the Nepali Congress’ 15th General Convention, Thapa said the repeated presence of the same people as prime ministers, ministers and party leaders had created a perception in society that all political parties and leaders were the same and equally bad. “Politics had become like a musical chair. Those who became prime minister wanted to become prime minister again, leaders kept wanting to remain leaders, ministers kept returning to power and no one wanted to leave,” he said. “This sent a message that all parties and leaders were the same and all were bad.”
I might have been a Congress member if the party had valued loyalty: Rabi Lamichhane
Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) Chair Rabi Lamichhane has said the Nepali Congress’ history is both its greatest strength and its major weakness. Addressing the inaugural session of the Nepali Congress’ 15th General Convention at Khula Manch in Kathmandu, Lamichhane claimed that the party had deviated from its ideology and principles by failing to preserve its traditional commitment and inclusive character. “History is the Congress’ greatest strength, but at the same time, your greatest weakness is also history,” he said. “If the party had valued loyalty, prioritised those who were committed rather than those with financial capital, and given tickets to marginalised people instead of opportunists, perhaps I too would have been a Congress member.”
General convention marks the beginning of a new journey; we will move forward with an energetic Congress: Bishwo Prakash Sharma
Nepali Congress Vice President Bishwo Prakash Sharma has said the ongoing 15th General Convention marks the beginning of a new journey for the party, claiming that the Congress will emerge stronger and more energetic after the convention while reflecting the aspirations of the new generation. Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the General Convention at Khula Manch in Kathmandu, Sharma said the Nepali Congress, established under the leadership of BP Koirala and carrying an 80-year history, has played a leading role in the country’s democratic movements and during various national crises. Sharma said the Congress is currently the main opposition party following the formation of a majority government led by the Rastriya Swatantra Party. He said the Congress is ready to work with the government on issues of national interest and development.
75-year-old Congress membership certificate presented at 15th General Convention
Delegates and party workers at the Nepali Congress’ ongoing 15th General Convention were moved when a 75-year-old historical document was presented at the event. Party President Gagan Kumar Thapa honoured veteran leader Mathura Prasad Shrestha during the convention after he appeared with an original early membership certificate of the Nepali Congress, issued in 2008 BS. Shrestha, then 18, from Tamghas Sahu Tol of Gulmi, had obtained the party’s initial membership by paying an annual contribution of Rs 1 or Rs 1.25. The historical certificate, numbered 28317, shows that Shrestha, now 94, received the membership at the age of 18 on Chaitra 26, 2007 BS, from then-party president Matrika Prasad Koirala.
UML General Secretary Pokhrel voices concern over future of democracy
CPN-UML General Secretary Shankar Pokhrel has expressed serious concern over the future of democracy in the country, questioning the government’s style of functioning.Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the Nepali Congress’ 15th General Convention, Pokhrel accused the prime minister, who received the people’s mandate, of neither listening to Parliament nor paying heed to the voices of the people. “I am concerned about the future of democracy. The prime minister trusted by the people does not listen to Parliament or the people,” he said. “Are we moving towards people’s rule, or are we heading down the path of authoritarianism?”
Let’s make a long-term plan for where to take the country in the next 10 years: Baburam Bhattarai
Former Prime Minister Dr Baburam Bhattarai has stressed the need to formulate a clear long-term plan now for where Nepal should be taken over the next 10 to 20 years for the country’s development. Addressing the inaugural session of the Nepali Congress’ 15th General Convention at Khula Manch in Kathmandu on Sunday, Bhattarai said all political parties should come together around a shared goal and plan for national development. “Let us make a plan now for where we want to take the country in the next 10 to 20 years and work together as all parties,” he said. “Otherwise, we will continue the practice of attending conventions and ceremonies, praising one another and then returning home.”
Resham Chaudhary asks Gagan Thapa: Why was religion exchanged for a republic?
Resham Chaudhary, founding chairperson of the Nagarik Unmukti Party, has questioned Nepali Congress President Gagan Kumar Thapa over why religion was “exchanged” for a republic. Delivering a goodwill speech at the Nepali Congress’ 15th General Convention on Sunday, Chaudhary raised the question while recalling the 19-day movement that led to the establishment of the republic. “Gagan ji, we also faced batons and water cannons during the movement. We brought a republic through the 19-day movement, chanting ‘Long live the Nepali Congress,’ ‘Long live our Nepal’ and ‘Long live the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal.’ But Gagan ji, why was my religion exchanged for a republic during that 19-day movement?” Chaudhary asked.
What is Gagan Thapa’s economic vision in his political report?
Nepali Congress President Gagan Thapa’s political report prepared for the party’s 15th General Convention outlines an economic and political-economic direction for the next four years. The report proposes updating the party’s ideology by linking BP Koirala’s socialist vision with a modern social market economy in line with the needs of the 21st century and changing socio-economic conditions. Rather than treating economic growth alone as a measure of prosperity, the report puts forward the concept of a “Prosperous Nepal, Respected Nepali,” with education, health, nutrition, skills and capabilities as the foundations of development. It emphasises that development should not be pursued by the government alone, but through collaboration among citizens, communities, the private sector, cooperatives, universities and experts.
Congress general convention should be a forum to discuss its present and future: Pushpa Bhusal
Nepali Congress Vice President Pushpa Bhusal has said the party’s 15th General Convention should serve as a forum for serious discussion and dialogue on the party’s present and future. Addressing the inaugural ceremony of the party’s 15th General Convention, which began today, Bhusal said the Nepali Congress, which has a long history of struggle for democracy, should review its current position and chart a course for the future. “The General Convention is being held as a forum to discuss and reflect on the present and future of the Nepali Congress, which made history through its struggle for democracy since 2004 BS,” she said. Bhusal said the General Convention should not be limited to managing positions and selecting leadership. She said not only party leaders and cadres but also everyone who believes in democracy and the Nepali Congress should use the convention as an opportunity for self-reflection on the party’s current state.
CK Raut re-elected Janamat Party Chair
Dr CK Raut has been re-elected president of the Janamat Party, securing 958 votes at the party’s general convention in Birgunj. Voting was held for 99 candidates, including 26 office-bearers. Although Raut was the only candidate for the post of party Chair, he was required to secure at least 20 percent of the total votes under the party statute and therefore participated in the election. Anita Kumari Mandal of Siraha, Anita Devi Sah of Dhanusha, Narendra Prasad Chaudhary of Kapilvastu, Basanta Kumar Kushwaha of Rautahat, Dr Jayakant Raut of Saptari, Raja Kumar Yadav of Siraha and Madhav Prasad Singh of Parsa were elected vice-chairs. Eleven candidates had contested for the seven vice-presidential positions. Parmeshwar Murmu, Harpal Singh Sodi, Manohara Devi Baitha and Roshan Khatun were defeated.
Minister Shrestha inspects 400-kV transmission line at Dhalkebar
Minister for Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Biraj Bhakta Shrestha inspected the 400-kV transmission line and substation project connecting Hetauda with Dhalkebar. According to the minister’s private secretariat, Shrestha was briefed on the multi-circuit towers being constructed as part of the transmission line project. He directed the concerned authorities to ensure that the project is completed on time. Construction of the transmission line began 12 years ago but has progressed slowly due to various challenges.
Chinese Ambassador arrives in Lomanthang with seven-member team
Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Zhang Maoming arrived in Lomanthang of Upper Mustang as part of a seven-member team that entered Nepal through the Korala border point. Mustang Chief District Officer Ajita Sharma confirmed the ambassador’s arrival in Mustang via Korala. “The Chinese ambassador has arrived in Mustang through Korala, but we have not yet received detailed information about the purpose and schedule of the visit,” Sharma said. The ambassador is on a three-day visit to Mustang. The delegation includes six other members, including five Chinese nationals. The team is scheduled to return to China through the Korala border point today.
Six construction companies blacklisted for contract violations
Six companies contracted to construct and upgrade roads along the Karnali Highway have been blacklisted for violating contractual obligations. The companies were also contracted to maintain roads along the route connecting Jumla with the Manang and Mustang districts. The Public Procurement Monitoring Office took action against the companies following recommendations from the concerned road office. Shravan Kumar Mahatara, chief of the Road Division Office in Jumla, said the office had initiated action against the construction companies and forwarded the cases to the central office in Kathmandu. Binamra Construction Service of Surkhet, which had been contracted to construct a road under a project scheduled to run from fiscal year 2075/76 to 2079/80, has been blacklisted for three years.
Gold and silver prices decrease in domestic market
The prices of gold and silver have declined in the domestic market today, with gold falling by Rs 2,900 per tola and silver by Rs 60. According to the Federation of Nepal Gold and Silver Dealers’ Association, the price of gold has been fixed at Rs 291,900 per tola, while silver is being traded at Rs 4,390 per tola. Last Friday, gold was traded at Rs 294,800 per tola, while silver was priced at Rs 4,450 per tola.
NC row: Deuba turns down Gagan’s invitation to convention
Former Nepali Congress (NC) President Sher Bahadur Deuba has decided not to attend the 15th general convention of the party’s establishment faction, which begins today. The Nepali Congress had invited Deuba to attend and inaugurate the convention. A formal invitation was delivered to Deuba’s residence in Maharajgunj on Saturday by a team of party leaders, including Joint General Secretary Yogendra Chaudhary. The invitation letter, signed by party President Gagan Thapa, requested Deuba’s participation in the inaugural ceremony. However, Deuba is not scheduled to attend the convention, according to leader Dr. Prakash Sharan Mahat. “During my conversation, there was no discussion about accepting the invitation to the inaugural session,” Mahat said. “That is why Deuba is spreading misinformation that he will attend. He will not attend the inauguration.”
Floods, landslides disrupt major highways across Nepal
Several major highways and road sections in different parts of Nepal continue to face disruptions due to floods and landslides. According to the latest information from Nepal Police, all sections of the main highway in Rasuwa have remained completely blocked since the floods on September 26. In Manang, the Besisahar-Khangsar road is currently operating on a single-lane basis following flood-related damage reported on October 4. In Myagdi, the Beni-Jomsom road has been completely blocked by landslides at Baisari in Raghuganga Rural Municipality-2 and Sukebagar in Annapurna Rural Municipality-3. Traffic along the Kaligandaki Corridor in Nawalparasi has also been affected. The section at Ghumauri Ghat in Bulingtar Rural Municipality-6 has been restricted to a single lane since a landslide occurred on the evening of September 26.
Two more canopy bridges to be built along Narayanghat-Butwal road
Two more overhead canopy bridges designed to help monkeys safely cross the road are to be constructed in the forest areas along the Narayanghat-Butwal section of the East-West Highway in Nawalparasi East. Preparations are underway to construct the bridges in the forest areas between Kawasoti and Lakaha, and between Chormara and Arunkhola. The section is being upgraded to a four-lane highway in accordance with Asian Highway standards. According to Engineer Shiva Khanal, information officer for the Narayanghat-Butwal Road Expansion Project, the bridges are being constructed to reduce accidents caused by monkeys crossing the busy highway. “The number of accidents has increased since monkeys began moving from the hills toward the Terai,” Khanal said. “People have also lost their lives in accidents caused by monkeys crossing the highway. The bridges are being constructed to reduce such accidents.”
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