KATHMANDU, OCTOBER 10
Gagan Kumar Thapa has been re-elected president of the Nepali Congress, securing 6,584 votes at the party's 15th general convention. His rival, Shyam Krishna Khadgi, received 375 votes.
A total of 7,013 votes were cast, of which 54 were declared invalid.
Thapa began his political career as a student activist, joining the 2046 BS people's movement while studying in Grade 9. He later held various positions in the Nepal Students' Union, including secretary and president of the Free Students' Union at Tri-Chandra Multiple Campus.
In 2061 BS, he led protests against the king's direct rule and faced treason allegations. Amnesty International later recognised him as a prisoner of conscience.
Thapa entered the Constituent Assembly in 2064 BS and was elected to the House of Representatives from Kathmandu-4 in 2070 BS. He chaired the Agriculture and Water Resources Committee in 2071 BS and served as health minister in 2073 BS.
At the Nepali Congress's 14th general convention in 2078 BS, he was elected general secretary. Following the Gen Z movement in September 2025, Thapa and fellow General Secretary Bishwa Prakash Sharma called for a special convention to increase youth participation and push for party reforms.
Thapa has advocated greater opportunities for young people, increased public investment in education, equitable access to healthcare and improved institutional governance.