KATHMANDU, MARCH 24 Nepali Congress (NC) President Gagan Kumar Thapa stated that the party has faced its current challenges because it lost sight of its core agenda. Established to uphold freedom and equality, the NC must remain committed to placing the people at the center of its work, he emphasized. Thapa made these remarks while addressing the Central Working Committee meeting at the party's central office in Sanepa on Tuesday. 'For some time, the NC has been preoccupied with competitive parties,' he argued. 'I heartily congratulate all candidates who secured victory and thank all voters in the House of Representatives election conducted under challenging circumstances. I hope the government will continue to function successfully over the next five years,' Thapa said, adding that the party would have faced even greater difficulties had it entered the election without holding the special general convention. He acknowledged that some party leaders and cadres might have expressed discontent regarding the special general convention. 'However, we have carefully noted the leaders who did not fully cooperate with party candidates. Shouldn't leaders who have contested constituencies five or six times previously feel obliged to support the party's candidates? As party President, I will engage with all leaders on this matter,' Thapa remarked during the meeting. Thapa reminded the new government that citizens have placed high expectations on good governance, and that investigations into abuse of authority and policy-related corruption should be conducted in a clear and transparent manner. According to the NC President, the party must maintain a proper balance on issues of democracy and diversity and remain committed to protecting citizens' rights enshrined in the democratic system. 'Freedom, equality, and autonomy guaranteed by the Constitution must not be undervalued. The NC is acutely aware of this. It is essential to ensure amendments to the Constitution to expand these values,' Thapa stated. He also announced that the NC would hold internal discussions and form a committee dedicated to constitutional amendments. On a separate note, Thapa highlighted that the ongoing conflict in West Asia has adversely affected Nepali workers, stressing the need to address the challenges faced by Nepali workers abroad while simultaneously strengthening the national economy at home. (With inputs from Rastriya Samachar Samiti)