Nepali Congress Awaits New Chief Secretary Appointment After Predecessor's Resignation

Kathmandu. Krishna Prasad Paudel, the Chief Secretary of the Nepali Congress central office, resigned from his post on Magh 8.

Paudel, who is also a member of the National Assembly, told Ratopati that he resigned on Thursday to focus on work in his electoral constituency.

Eight days have passed since Paudel resigned, but President Gagan Thapa has not yet appointed a new Chief Secretary.

In the Congress party, the Chief Secretary signs official correspondence to subordinate bodies, publicizes decisions made in meetings, and communicates with government offices.

However, Spokesperson Devraj Chalise has been signing press releases and correspondence.

Spokesperson Chalise stated that there has been no discussion as President Thapa is currently engaged in campaigning in the Madhes region, and the appointment of the Chief Secretary falls under the President's authority.

'The appointment of the Chief Secretary is the President's job. He is currently campaigning,' Spokesperson Chalise told Ratopati. 'He will return tomorrow, and a decision will be made after discussions then.'

Thapa was elected President during the Nepali Congress special general convention held from Poush 27 to 30. Paudel was opposed to that special general convention.

After the Election Commission recognized the special general convention, Paudel resigned when it became certain that Thapa would assume office as President at the central office.

Krishna Dulal, currently serving as a secretary at the party's central office, has expressed interest in the Chief Secretary position. He openly supported the faction that favored the special general convention, even when other central office employees were hesitant.

However, Thapa has not yet decided whether to appoint him or bring in a political figure from outside. 'The President has not yet reached a decision on whether to promote an internal employee or bring someone from outside,' a leader close to President Thapa told Ratopati.

Paudel, who resigned, was appointed Chief Secretary by Deuba after he was elected President in the 13th General Convention. Deuba continued to retain Paudel even after being re-elected President in the 14th General Convention.