Nepali Congress President Gagan Thapa Vows Deep Connection with Sarlahi Constituents, Rejects Superficial Campaigning

Sarlahi. Nepali Congress President Gagan Thapa stated that he has not come to Sarlahi merely to ask for votes, but wishes to forge an emotional connection with the soil and the people here.

Addressing a meeting of leading cadres and a party induction program in Balara Municipality, Sarlahi on Tuesday, Thapa, who is also the candidate for Sarlahi-4, clarified that he would not become a guest leader who only shows his face during elections and then disappears.

Thapa asserted that he does not possess the tendency of other leaders who arrive in a hurry during elections, take photos, fulfill formalities by waving hands, and then vanish without a trace. He mentioned that party workers suggested he speak a few words in the local language during his address. However, he stated he would not 'act' just to receive applause.

'My friends told me I should speak a couple of lines in the local language, but I do not want to pretend to speak the local language by rote memorization overnight,' Thapa said, 'Once I become your representative here, even if it takes six months or a year, I will definitely learn the local language, know everyone by name, and achieve the capability to speak fluently.'

He recalled how, as a Member of Parliament in Kathmandu, he gained the trust of the Newar community by integrating into their culture, festivals, and celebrations despite not being a Newar himself. He committed to creating an environment where the communities of Sarlahi would also accept him as one of their own.

Stating that he does not know how to engage in theatrics or cheap tricks, Thapa said he would work as a responsible friend, brother, or son to the people of Sarlahi-4. He shared his plan to stay in the constituency for three days, then return to Kathmandu to finish party work before coming back again, aiming to spend as much time as possible at the doorsteps of the people.