Congress Provincial Assembly Meeting in Sudurpaschim Sees Absence of Chairpersons

April 9, Dhangadhi – The Nepali Congress began its Sudurpaschim provincial-level assembly on Saturday in Dhangadhi. Party Chair Gagan Kumar Thapa, along with other leaders, has arrived in Dhangadhi to participate in the event. This marks Thapa’s first address in the home province of outgoing Chair Sher Bahadur Deuba since being elected at the special general convention. Party leaders and activists warmly welcomed Thapa at Dhangadhi Airport.

Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah, considered aligned with Deuba’s faction, arrived at the airport with his cabinet ministers to receive Thapa. However, security personnel denied their entry inside the airport, preventing Shah from meeting with Thapa. Although the Chief Minister and other ministers came to welcome Thapa, Province Chair Vir Bahadur Balayar and Kailali Chair Narayan Datt Bhatt, both associated with Deuba’s faction, did not attend the meeting. According to sources, Chair Balayar has confirmed he will not participate in the event.

Kailali Chair Bhatt cited work commitments as the reason for his absence. Also a member of the National Assembly, Bhatt stated that his inability to attend was due to parliamentary obligations rather than political disagreements. He said, “I am currently in Kathmandu for parliamentary duties. Political agreement or disagreement is a separate matter. At this time, due to being occupied with work, I am unable to participate.” Some other district chairs aligned with Deuba’s faction are also expected not to attend, according to party leaders. The Congress has planned the two-day assembly to review the outcomes of the House of Representatives elections and the performance of local representatives.