KATHMANDU: The Nepali Congress has warned the government against unnecessary arrests and searches targeting journalists and the private sector, while calling for constitutional reforms, good governance and greater accountability.
The party’s Central Working Committee meeting, held from August 9 to 17 under the chairmanship of party president Gagan Kumar Thapa, took decisions on constitutional amendments, government conduct, press freedom, the private sector, gas supplies, disaster management and preparations for the party’s 15th General Convention.
Congress calls for all-party dialogue on constitutional amendment
The Congress has called for the formation of a constitutional amendment recommendation commission led by a retired Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.
The party said any amendment should preserve the fundamental values of the Constitution while reflecting citizens’ ownership, rights, representation and trust in the state. It also stressed the need for broad-based political dialogue and participation.
Warning against unnecessary action against private sector
The Congress described the private sector as a key driver of economic growth, production, employment and revenue generation, saying the state and private sector should maintain a relationship based on trust and cooperation.
The party called for an end to the unnecessary criminalisation of legitimate business activities and demanded investment-friendly laws, stable tax policies, investment protection and incentives for productive industries.
It warned that unnecessary arrests and illegal searches targeting private businesses were undermining investor confidence and urged the government to stop such practices.
Government urged to ensure good governance
The Congress said what it described as administrative disorder and the government’s unaccountable conduct towards the legislature were unacceptable.
It called on the government to operate within constitutional and legal limits, safeguard the independence of constitutional bodies and the judiciary, and ensure transparent, accountable and result-oriented governance.
Congress backs press freedom
The party said arrests of journalists, unnecessary interference in media houses and attempts to create an atmosphere of fear were unacceptable.
While acknowledging that violations of law can be investigated and prosecuted through established legal procedures, the Congress said the government should not bypass constitutional and legal processes to interfere with the media.
Government urged to address gas shortages and inflation
The Congress called on the government to ensure regular supplies of cooking gas and other essential commodities.
It urged the government to address weaknesses in the Nepal Oil Corporation’s import, storage and distribution systems and to strengthen market monitoring and action against black-marketing to control rising prices of staples including lentils, rice, sugar and cooking oil.
Focus on disaster preparedness
The Congress said disaster preparedness and risk reduction should become a regular part of the state’s governance system instead of relying primarily on rescue and relief after floods, landslides and inundation occur.
It called for mapping vulnerable settlements, roads, rivers and flood- and landslide-prone areas, along with strengthening early warning systems and ensuring adequate rescue personnel and equipment.
The party also called for arrangements for immediate rescue, treatment, relief and rehabilitation following disasters.
Judicial commission sought to investigate social unrest
The Congress described the tensions following incidents in various parts of the Tarai-Madhes as a matter of national concern and stressed the need to maintain peace, harmony and social unity.
It called for a high-level, independent and widely acceptable judicial commission to conduct a fair and credible investigation into the incidents. The party also urged the government to provide appropriate compensation to victims, the injured and citizens whose private property was damaged.
Congress raises issue of ambassadorial appointments
The party urged the government to appoint ambassadors and consul generals to posts that have remained vacant for a long time.
The Congress said the government had failed to give adequate attention to diplomatic relations at a time when Nepal needs to strengthen economic diplomacy.
It also raised concerns over delays in filling positions left vacant after officials were removed through ordinances and questioned the transparency of appointments made through public calls.
15th General Convention set for October 2–5
The Congress reaffirmed its decision to hold its 15th General Convention in Kathmandu from October 2 to 5, 2026.
The party said the convention would not be limited to an electoral exercise but would be used as an opportunity for democratic renewal, unity, consensus, dialogue and broader participation.
Party membership to be digitally recorded
The Congress has also decided to establish a digital record of all active party memberships.
The system is intended to simplify and improve membership distribution, renewal, updating and record-keeping. Members who complete the required process will also be provided with party identification cards.
Committees formed for General Convention
The 15th General Convention Management Committee will be coordinated by party president Gagan Kumar Thapa. Various subcommittees will be formed to oversee accommodation, food arrangements, stage management, hospitality and health services.
At the convention, Thapa will present the main political proposal titled “The Coming Decade, Democracy and the Congress.”
Vice President Bishwo Prakash Sharma will present a proposal on “The Trend of Decline in Political Culture and the Responsibility for Transformation in Line with the Times.”
The party has also decided to form a statute amendment committee under General Secretary Pradeep Paudel to update the party statute in line with current needs.
Overall, the Congress said its priorities include protecting and reforming the Constitution, ensuring good governance and press freedom, promoting economic recovery, production and investment, strengthening social justice and addressing citizens’ basic concerns.
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