Chief Minister Shah Addresses Government Changes and Gagan Thapa’s Arrival
April 26, Dhangadhi – Sudurpashchim Province Chief Minister Kamal Bahadur Shah commented that discussions about government reshuffling have overshadowed the arrival of Nepali Congress President Gagan Thapa to Dhangadhi. Speaking at the opening session of the Congress provincial-level meeting on Saturday in Dhangadhi, Chief Minister Shah noted that President Thapa had anticipated such a situation in advance.
“Mr. President, along with the talk of your arrival, the subject that has sparked more debate in Sudurpashchim is the government’s post changes and reshuffling rather than your schedule,” said Chief Minister Shah. “I want to say that I possess the courage—physically, mentally, and ideologically—to compete with you. I have that bravery. Therefore, I urge everyone to refrain from displaying irresponsible and non-political conduct.”
He added that those spreading such rumors intend to defame President Thapa. “I want to state—just as the murmurs have spread through the market and media—that some are even considering recalling pro-government MPs to facilitate a government change to discredit the President,” he said. However, he expressed that he is not convinced by such claims. “I am a soldier of the Nepali Congress and steadfastly uphold the party’s values and principles. Hence, no one should make statements that create confusion, cause disputes within the party, weaken it, or undermine the President,” Chief Minister Shah emphasized.
Clarifying that he had gone to the airport to welcome Gagan Thapa and had also stood with him on stage, Shah asserted that his actions were not aimed at retaining his position. “I want to tell you—the post of Chief Minister is secondary. Our democratic process and leaders decide who will lead and which alliance will be formed,” he explained. He expressed that his presence on stage was motivated by a desire for Congress unity. “I stood here carrying the sentiment that Gagan Thapa should become the President of the Nepali Congress. My goal is to reignite the party’s strength during this time of weakness,” he added.