Pradip Paudel urges end to dispute over active membership update drive

KATHMANDU: Pradip Paudel has called on all factions within the Nepali Congress to end the dispute surrounding the party’s active membership renewal campaign and participate in the process.

Speaking at an interaction program with youth on Sunday as part of the party’s active membership update campaign, Paudel, who also coordinates the party’s Central Membership Management Committee, stressed the need to conduct the process within the party’s statute and ensure the 15th General Convention is held in accordance with established procedures.

He said the party leadership deserves respect but emphasized that no one should overstep the boundaries set by the party’s constitution and rules.

Paudel urged both the establishment and non-establishment factions within the party to work together to make the membership campaign successful. He also dismissed claims that the campaign was intended to remove existing members, clarifying that its objective is to update members’ records and create a unified membership database.

Commenting on national politics, Paudel alleged that the government had failed to inspire public confidence during its first 100 days in office, claiming it had instead created uncertainty and suspicion among the public.

He also criticized the Rastriya Swatantra Party, alleging that although voters elected the party through Nepal’s democratic parliamentary system, it later adopted policies at its general convention that undermine the very system through which it came to power.

Paudel further accused the party of advocating constitutional changes, including the abolition of federalism, and claimed such positions run contrary to Nepal’s Constitution.

He also criticized Prime Minister Balen Shah and the Rastriya Swatantra Party leadership, alleging they presented one image during the election campaign but have acted differently since assuming power. According to Paudel, the government’s first 100 days have been marked by decisions that raise serious concerns about its commitment to Nepal’s democratic and parliamentary system.