KATHMANDU: Newly elected Nepali Congress (NC) President Gagan Thapa has pledged to transform the party by restoring public trust and changing its working style.
Addressing party leaders, cadres and supporters at the Nepali Congress central office in Sanepa on Saturday following his election at the party’s 15th General Convention, Thapa said he viewed his new role as a responsibility rather than a privilege.
“You have entrusted me with the responsibility of leading the party through your trust. I have come here to express my gratitude for this responsibility. This trust is a mandate for change. We do not regard it as authority, but as a responsibility,” he said.
Thapa stressed that electing new leadership at the general convention, held following the special general convention, would not alone bring meaningful change to the party. He said the Congress must reform its working methods and strengthen accountability and responsibility.
“The general convention was a competition. Some of us won, while others lost. This is not simply about who won or lost. Now, all of us must work together to win the trust of the people,” he said.
Thapa also acknowledged that trust between the Nepali Congress and the public had eroded, stressing that party leaders and cadres must unite to rebuild it. He said his goal was to establish a party trusted by farmers, industrialists, businesspeople and Nepalis working abroad.
“We must create an environment in which millions of well-wishers who love the Nepali Congress return to the party and welcome it into their homes. We have come with the determination to make history. Words alone are not enough; we must change the way we work,” he said.
Thapa said party members had been given a week to study the reports endorsed by the general convention. After collecting suggestions from members, an action plan would be prepared at the first meeting of the Central Working Committee, he added.
He also said the party would not defend wrongdoing or shield anyone from accountability. Emphasising that the law applies equally to everyone, he maintained that individuals must take responsibility for their own actions.
“The Nepali Congress will not defend anyone who has done wrong, nor will it carry anyone else’s burden,” he said.
Thapa further stressed that the party must move forward in accordance with the principles of social democracy rather than serving the personal interests of those who had benefited from it in the past.
He said his priority was to implement the commitments made at the 15th General Convention, demonstrate change through concrete action and restore public confidence in the Nepali Congress.
Comment