KATHMANDU: Nepali Congress (NC) President Gagan Thapa has said that he cannot be influenced by pressure, fear, or temptation.
Addressing the party’s Central Working Committee meeting in Sanepa on Sunday, Thapa made it clear that he would move forward in accordance with the party statute.
“Do not intimidate me, do not suppress me, and do not mislead me,” Thapa said. “I know that I am bound by the statute, and I must follow it.”
His remarks came at a time when internal disputes over preparations for the 15th General Convention, leadership legitimacy, and membership issues are intensifying within the party.
Thapa said he respects the contributions of senior leaders but intends to move the Nepali Congress forward by carrying everyone along. He acknowledged that leaders including Sher Bahadur Deuba have made significant contributions to the party and said he would continue to respect them.
“We are neither first-class nor second-class leaders,” he said. “We must move ahead by taking everyone together and ensuring inclusion.”nHis statement was seen as a response to the increasingly aggressive remarks made by leaders from the rival camp, including Mohan Basnet, in recent days.
Thapa emphasized the need to make the 15th General Convention fair and credible. He said both those who participated in the special convention and those who did not would be included in the convention process.
He added that the committee led by General Secretary Pradeep Poudel had already resolved the membership dispute and made it clear that there would be no compromise in fulfilling responsibilities related to the general convention.
Thapa also expressed confidence in grassroots party workers. He alleged that some leaders had interfered in previous elections by withholding support and said the party should provide greater space to the new generation as well as leaders from different castes and communities.
His remarks have fueled speculation that the power struggle between the current leadership and the old establishment faction could intensify further as the Nepali Congress moves toward its upcoming general convention.
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