Gagan Takes Charge of Congress Leadership, Declares ‘We Will No Longer Bow Down’

March 23, Kathmandu – Nepali Congress President Gagan Kumar Thapa has unveiled a comprehensive plan called the ‘Grand Reform’ aimed at internal cleansing and structural transformation of the party. This announcement came after the party’s central working committee rejected his resignation, which he had tendered taking moral responsibility for the party’s defeat in the House of Representatives election. Addressing the Tuesday central committee meeting in the presence of the media, Thapa emphasized that the party’s future focus will be on the upcoming general convention and party revitalization.

On the topic of the party’s ‘Grand Reform’ involving purification and revival, President Thapa stressed that minor improvements are no longer sufficient. He asserted that it is time to eliminate the ‘dirt and stains’ such as opportunistic principle-less alliances and abuse of state power. Highlighting that the party’s weak structure has suppressed its originality, he urged that the diversity spanning four generations should be harnessed as the party’s strength. He envisions the party not just as an ‘election machine’ but a vibrant social movement once again.

Taking responsibility for the election defeat, Thapa affirmed, “As team captain, I will not evade accountability.” He clarified that his resignation was not a result of pressure or fatigue but a matter of political accountability. He denied rumors that confusion over the special general convention had influenced his decision and stated that he was not impacted by any external pressure.

Gagan Kumar Thapa proposed a detailed schedule to conduct the 15th general convention in Bhadra 2083 (September 2026). According to the plan, party membership will be distributed and updated at the ward level in Baishakh 2083 (April 2026). He warned that any tendencies to obstruct the official candidates during election periods have been seriously noted.

He also expressed the party’s commitment to fully support a fair investigation by the new government. Regarding constitutional amendments and initiatives for national consensus, Thapa announced plans to form a committee comprising experts headed by a senior party leader.

Demanding the immediate release of the report from the Janajati (indigenous peoples) movement inquiry commission, Gagan Kumar Thapa asserted, “That report must be published and implemented immediately. Those who have erred must be held accountable and punished.”