KATHMANDU, JANUARY 11

General Secretary of the Nepali Congress (NC), Gagan Kumar Thapa, has said that "questions must be allowed and valued within the NC."

He stated that the NC is not a party of obedient or submissive cadres, but a political force composed of dynamic and assertive members. Thapa made these remarks while addressing the Special General Convention (SGC) that commenced in the federal capital, Kathmandu, on Sunday.

He reminded the party leadership-particularly the faction led by Party President Sher Bahadur Deuba-of the initiatives taken by the two General Secretaries to promote leadership transition in response to the evolving circumstances brought about by the Gen Z movement in the country.

Thapa criticized that although the NC President had publicly announced plans to transfer leadership through a general convention before the House of Representatives election, those surrounding and influencing President Deuba were responsible for postponing the party's general convention.

"An election is not merely a contest of victory and defeat; it is an opportunity to build public trust," he noted, adding that safeguarding the system and constitution is of utmost urgency.

Advocating a bottom-up approach within the party, Thapa stated, "Everyone in the NC is equal. Those who remain silent-and encourage others to remain silent-lose the moral authority to respond to questions."

Together with fellow General Secretary Bishwo Prakash Sharma, who strongly pushed for the SGC in light of the changed political context, Thapa encouraged party leaders and cadres to continue questioning the leadership and the party's operational style.

Thapa further claimed that he is committed to upholding the principles and practices established by iconic leaders BP Koirala and Ganeshman Singh, despite not belonging to their lineage. He also highlighted the pivotal role the NC has played during every critical moment in Nepal's history.

He emphasized that the time has come for the NC to renew and strengthen its relationship with the people.

As many leaders aligned with President Deuba's faction chose to boycott the SGC, Thapa urged them to participate in the sessions scheduled for the next day. He also acknowledged the efforts of party cadres and leaders who contributed to organizing the SGC.