KATHMANDU: Nepali Congress presidential candidate Gagan Kumar Thapa has said he will make space for everyone within the party.
Thapa registered his candidacy for the post of party president at the Rashtriya Sabha Griha Hall on Tuesday evening.
Speaking to journalists after registering his candidacy, Thapa said the party had considered the possibility that increasing the size of the Central Working Committee could result in fewer representatives from ethnic clusters such as Dalits and Madhesis, as more members would be elected through open competition.
He said the number of vice presidents and general secretaries had been adjusted to ensure that leaders who came through the special General Convention, as well as other leaders, feel they have equal opportunities within the party.
He said efforts had also been made to open up the block below the joint general secretary level to increase access to leadership positions for women and communities other than Khas-Arya.
Thapa said it was his responsibility to bring everyone together and create space for all, adding that not everyone needs to compete for an office-bearer position.
He said the new party statute has given provincial and district committees greater authority than before, creating significant opportunities to work at the grassroots level as well.
Thapa said wins and losses in internal party elections should be accepted as natural and that cordiality should be maintained among party members.
He also expressed confidence that the party could function in an organised manner despite the larger Central Working Committee, as the responsibilities of the general secretaries have been clearly divided under the new statute.
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