KATHMANDU: The Nepali Congress (NC) has formally endorsed party President Gagan Thapa as its candidate for prime minister in the upcoming elections.
A meeting of the Nepali Congress Central Committee held on Friday decided to project Thapa as the party’s prime ministerial face. According to party Vice President Bishwaprakash Sharma, the decision was taken after assessing Thapa against five clearly defined criteria, ensuring the candidate is capable and politically strong.
Sharma said the criteria include an individual’s political background, political culture, leadership capacity to run the country, experience of struggle and governance, and understanding of Nepal’s diverse geography.
Explaining the rationale behind the decision, Sharma noted that internal changes within the party following the ‘Gen-Z movement’ of September 8 and 9 were also taken into account. He said the Congress introduced new leadership and policy direction through a special convention held after the movement.
“Becoming prime minister is not merely about holding party leadership,” Sharma said, adding that true leadership is tested either on the streets during struggle or in positions of power.
Recalling Thapa’s political journey, Sharma highlighted his active role during the 2062/63 BS People’s Movement, when Thapa raised slogans in favor of republicanism in front of Narayanhiti Palace. “We are prepared to present Gagan Thapa, whose leadership has been tested through struggle, as the prime minister,” he said.
Sharma further pointed out that Thapa’s understanding of Nepal’s geography is one of his key strengths. He said Thapa was endorsed as the prime ministerial candidate due to his ability to govern inclusively, addressing the needs of diverse regions such as Karnali and Madhesh.
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